A cohort study of graphite workers in Sri Lanka

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Respiratory Medicine
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Graphite mining poses risks of respiratory diseases due to dust exposure.
• Previous studies indicated a prevalence of radiographic lesions among Sri Lankan graphite mine workers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of graphite pneumoconiosis and pulmonary tuberculosis in a cohort of Sri Lankan graphite mine workers.
• To evaluate the impact of dust control measures on respiratory disease prevalence over time.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study involving radiographic and clinical examinations of mine workers in 1987, 1990, and 1993.
• Analysis of radiographic lesion prevalence and clinical diagnoses of graphite pneumoconiosis and tuberculosis.

Main Results:

• Radiographic lesions decreased from 8.5% in 1987 to 4.1% in 1993.
• Prevalence of graphite pneumoconiosis and active pulmonary tuberculosis declined, with 18 and 7 cases detected respectively across the study periods.
• Five new cases of graphite pneumoconiosis developed, with an average work history of 22.6 years, and the right lung showed higher vulnerability.

Conclusions:

• Dust control measures implemented after 1972 likely contributed to the observed decline in occupational lung diseases.
• Continued monitoring and stringent dust control are essential for worker health in graphite mining environments.
• The right lung may be more susceptible to graphite-related lung damage.