Silicosis among sand bricks workers

ABSTRACT

This study was made on [150] workers in Queisna Sand Bricks Factory in Menoufia Governorate. All workers were subjetted to through clinical examinations, large chest X-ray films and pulmonary function tests using a Vitalograph with Functional Analyser. Medget impinger and Electrostatic precipitator were used from measuring silica dust. The average dust concentrations [mppcf]; weight [Mg/m[3]] and free silica percentage, were all above the threshold limit value [T.L.V.]. The incidence of silicosis was high [39.33%] among the examined group of workers. The results proved that the prevalence of sillicosis among and bricks workers, is mainly dependant on the factor of time and intensity of exposure [P.I.F] and is not necessarily associated with chronic bronchitis or smoking. Also the profusion of X-ray opacities was found significantly related to the T.I.F. and chronic ventilatory impairment in silicotics was probably the outcome of the silicotic process itself irrespective of the presence of chronic bronchitis or smoking habits. The degree of this impairment was found significantly related to the size and profusion of X-ray opacities. Dust control measures and other preventive steps were seriously recommended for the control of dust and prevention of this high prevalence of silicosis in Queisna sand Bricks Factory