[Dynamic observations on pulmonary function in retired miners exposed to nickel dust]

Pulmonary ventilation functions were determined dynamically in 34 retired miners exposed to nickel dust and 28 non-exposed ones in 1981, 1988 and 1995, respectively to study their damage and change patterns. Results showed that mean forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were lower in retired miners than those in controls at any time of determination. FVC and FEV1 lowered with time both in retired or control groups, with statistical significance. However, decrease of FVC and FEV1 in the retired was more than that in the controls whether during 1981 to 1988, or 1988 to 1995, or 1981 to and 1995. And, proportion of abnormal FVC and FEV1 increased more and extent of their abnormality was more severe in retired group than those in controls.