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Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure: a four-year follow-up
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|May 1, 1977
Summary
Workers in granite sheds experience excessive lung function decline. Annual decrements in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume exceed expected rates, indicating current dust levels are harmful and require reduction.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Pulmonary Physiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Workers in granite sheds face significant occupational dust exposure.
- Previous studies suggest potential lung function decrements in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the longitudinal impact of granite dust exposure on pulmonary function in Vermont granite shed workers.
- To determine if current dust concentrations lead to excessive deterioration of lung capacity.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal pulmonary function studies on 974 granite shed workers in 1974, with 668 followed for 4 years.
- Measurement of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) yearly.
- Analysis of dust concentrations and correlation with ventilatory function decrements.
Main Results:
- Observed yearly decrements in FVC (0.07-0.08 L) and FEV1 (0.05-0.07 L) were significantly higher than expected rates (0.03-0.04 L).
- Decrements were independent of exposure groups and smoking status.
- A suggestive exposure-decrement relationship was seen at 2 years but not at 4 years, likely due to exposure variability.
Conclusions:
- Current dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity.
- Previous estimates of annual lung function decline in this occupation may be underestimates.
- Lowering dust concentrations is essential to prevent adverse pulmonary effects in granite shed workers.