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Radiographic and spirometric findings in diatomaceous earth workers

P Harber1, J Dahlgren, W Bunn

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|February 19, 1998
PubMed
Summary
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Diatomaceous earth mining may cause lung abnormalities (diatomaceous earth pneumoconiosis) but not classic silicosis or lung function decline. Modern dust controls have reduced prevalence, but medical surveillance is recommended.

Area of Science:

  • Occupational Health
  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Diatomaceous earth processing can create crystalline silica (cristobalite).
  • Occupational exposure to silica dust is a known cause of lung disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities and lung function changes in diatomaceous earth workers.
  • To differentiate diatomaceous earth pneumoconiosis from silicosis.

Main Methods:

  • Chest radiographs (International Labour Office system) and spirometry were performed on 492 and 267 workers, respectively.
  • Individual exposure indices for total dust and cristobalite were reconstructed.
  • Regression analyses were used to assess relationships between exposure and health outcomes.

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Main Results:

  • 5% of workers had ILO scores >= 1/0, and 25% had scores of 0/1 or higher.
  • Both total dust and cristobalite exposure correlated with ILO scores.
  • No relationship was found between cumulative exposure and lung function (FEV1, FVC).

Conclusions:

  • Diatomaceous earth pneumoconiosis appears distinct from silicosis.
  • While radiographic abnormalities can occur, current exposure levels do not lead to demonstrable lung function impairment.
  • Reduced prevalence due to dust control highlights the effectiveness of safety measures; ongoing surveillance is advised.