ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the hazards of aluminum dusts to the exposed workers and the clinical features of aluminosis.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Retrospective investigation on 75 aluminosis patients from a certain factory diagnosed in Shanghai Occupational Diseases Hospital from 1972 to 2004 was carried out.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 27 cases of aluminosis I (36.0%), 28 cases of aluminosis II (37.3%) and 20 cases of aluminosis III (26.7%) among 75 cases. The shortest exposure duration was 3 years, and the longest 17 years, and 37 cases of aluminosis occurred after exposure less than 10 years. hest radiographic examination mainly showed irregular micro-shadows: t (22/75), s (4/75), t/u (1/75), t/s (2/75), or predominantly irregular mixed microshadows s/p (5/75), s/r (1/75), t/p (9/75), t/q (5/75); some showed round shape micro-shadows: p (6/75), q (1/75), p/q (3/75), q/p (1/75). 27 cases showed large shadows, 20 cases of them were diagnosed as pneumoconiosis III. A lot of irregular micro-shadows gathered and developed to form uneven, loose and border-irregular masses. Most massive fibrosis looked like stripe or plait, located mostly in middle and upper lung field. 8 patients suffered from aluminosis with single side of massive fibrosis and 12 with both sides of massive fibrosis, accounting for 40% and 60% respectively. Mediastinal and bronchopulmonary lymph nodes were enlarged and calcified, accompanied with pleural thickening.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Short exposure to high concentration of black fused alumina may cause serious aluminosis to the exposes. The hazards of aluminum dusts should not be ignored.</p>