RESUMO
Production process of most factory-made products is harmful to our health and environment. Silica is the most important stone used in stone cutting factories. Numerous researches have reported respiratory diseases due to the inhalation of these particles in various occupations. Silicosis is a disease with typical radiographic pattern caused as the result of inhalation of silica particles. According to the intensity of exposures and onset of initiation of clinical symptoms silicosis is classified into three groups of acute, chronic and accelerated forms. The present study evaluated silicosis among stone cutter workers. This cross sectional study was performed on stone cutter workers in Malayer city [Azandarian] between 2008 and 2009. Respiratory data of our study participants were collected with a respiratory questionnaire and performing spirometry tests and chest radiography. Among our participants, 16 silicosis cases were diagnosed by radiographic changes. Among them, 10 workers had exposure for more than three years and 6 workers were smokers. Eleven workers had an abnormal radiographic pattern on their chest x-rays. Seven workers had obstructive and 4 workers had restrictive spirometric patterns. Prevalence of silicosis was high among our understudy workers and preventive strategies are required to control it
RESUMO
Use of industry and technology must be based on protection of health as well as the environment. In other words, constant development of technology should fulfil human needs and not pose a health hazard. Silicosis is one of the oldest industry-induced occupational pulmonary diseases which is caused through exposure to particles of crystalline silica in respirable sizes and still is a major health hazard in workers exposed to silica all over the world. Since there is no cure for silicosis and in affected patients the disease may continue to progress even after leaving the workforce, dust control in the working environment is the only way to overcome this disease. An analytical cross-sectional study was performed on workers of the 27 stone-cutter factories in Malayer- Azandarian during 2001-2002. Sampling method was un-randomized and considering the type of study, all factory workers who were about 100 individuals entered the study. The study was done via clinical examination, questionnaire, spirometry, and chest x-ray. Study results demonstrated that lung examination was abnormal in 21 workers accompanied by respiratory symptoms as follows: Twelve cases had irritative coughs. Four cases had coughs and dyspnea and 5 complained of exertional dyspnea. In 10 of them a significant change was seen in their chest x-ray. Fourteen cases had an abnormal spirogram curve in evaluation of their respiratory status and only in 4 patients spirometry was abnormal. Most patients with silicosis were under the age of 44 and had almost 5 years of working experience. Six patients were smokers. In conclusion, 10 workers had silicosis [10%] [6 cases of simple silicosis and 4 cases of the complicated type] and the diagnosis was confirmed by chest radiography