An epidemiologic study of a group of talc workers

Chest roentgenograms, pulmonary function assessment by spirometry, respiratory symptoms, smoking history, and occupational history by questionnaire were obtained from 121 male talc miners and millers exposed to talc containing tremolite and anthophyllite asbestiform fibers. Ninety-three of the employees had worked in talc only at the plant under study. Symptoms were only slightly more prevalent in talc workers when compared to potash miners. Mean pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in one sec, forced vital capacity, and maximal expiratory flow at 50 and 75 per cent of vital capacity) of talc workers was significantly decreased in comparison to that of potash miners. The prevalence of pleural calcification and pneumoconiosis in talc workers with 15 or more years of employment was higher than in potash miners. The prevalence of pleural thickening was 31 per cent in those who worked more than 15 years and was significantly increased as compared to that in potash miners. Workers with pleural thickening had decreased pulmonary function in comparison to those who did not. Decreased one-sec forced expiratory volume and forced vital capacity were associated with exposure to respirable particulate and asbestiform fibers.