ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Slate industries involve the risk of causing silicosis; these industries are now on the increase, which implies an increasing number of workers too. The effects of this type of mining on respiratory health are not yet known. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A cross section study of active workers. Radiological and functional alterations, and their relation to risk factors, were assessed. RESULTS: A prevalence of 2.1% simple pneumoconiosis was found. The value of the FEV1 probed to be significantly related to smoking and to existence of nodulation of a 1/0 or higher profusion; these risk factors, when multiple regression is applied, work independently. CONCLUSION: Slate industry involves a risk of pneumoconiosis and other respiratory alterations.
