Reference spirometric values for healthy lifetime nonsmokers in Thailand.

The normal spirometric reference values for Thai people are still not yet available. The aim of this study was to establish standard spirometric equations for Thai people. Subjects 10 years of age and over were selected and their demographic distributions represented that of the population of the whole country. Inclusion criteria were strictly lifetime nonsmokers, no history of chronic cardiopulmonary disease (using a modified ATS--DLD 78 respiratory adult questionnaire), normal standard chest radiograph and unremarkable physical examination. They had to be without respiratory symptoms at the time of the study. Spirometric values were obtained by 5 turbine system 'Pony graphic' (Cosmed, Italy) spirometers which met ATS recommendations. A normal group of 2299 women and 1655 men were selected. Regression analyses using sex, height and age as independent variables were used to provide equations for predicted values. The results were: [table: see text] FVC and FEV1 from this study are close to the Chinese but are 8-20 per cent lower than the Caucasians. These predicted equations are recommended to be used for future reference values in the Thai population.

Silicosis and pulmonary tuberculosis in stone-grinding factories in Saraburi, Thailand.

The stone-grinding industry is well known to place its workforce at higher risk for silicosis. In addition, workers who are exposed to silica fibers are at a higher risk for pulmonary tuberculosis. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence levels of silicosis and pulmonary tuberculosis among workers in 33 factories in 3 subdistricts of Saraburi, Thailand and the associated risk factors. Thirty-one of the factories (93.9%) had amounts of either total dust or respirable dust exceeding threshold limit values with the average levels of total dust and respirable dust of 24.3 +/- 34.6 and 2.4 +/- 1.6 mg/m3 respectively. Radiologic patterns indicated that 61 workers (9.0%) had silicosis and 13 workers (1.9%) had pulmonary tuberculosis. The prevalence of silicosis and pulmonary tuberculosis was significantly associated with years of work. This study demonstrated the need for developing and supporting potential primary preventive intervention, periodic medical screening as a part of a medical surveillance system and a national occupational medical services program.