Silicosis and industrial bronchitis by exposure to silica powders and cement

• Published in: Revista médica (Mexico : 1983) Vol. 51; no. 4; pp. 384 - 389
• Main Authors: Méndez-Vargas, María Martha, Báez-Revueltas, Fabiola Berenice, López-Rojas, Pablo, Tovalín-Ahumada, José Horacio, Zamudio-Lara, José Othón, Marín-Cotoñieto, Irma Araceli, Villeda, Francisco
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mexico 01.07.2013
• Subjects: Adult; Bronchitis - etiology; Construction Materials - adverse effects; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dust; Humans; Male; Occupational Diseases - chemically induced; Occupational Exposure - adverse effects; Powders; Retrospective Studies; Silicon Dioxide - adverse effects; Silicosis - etiology; silicosis; exposición profesional; occupational exposure; pneumoconiosis; occupational diseases; enfermedades profesionales
• ISSN: 0443-5117

to identify the association between the exposure of workers to inorganic dust in a quarry and a cement factory and pulmonary diseases. a transverse study on data from 32 quarry workers (QWs) and 57 cement production line workers (CFWs) to inorganic-dust exposure was performed. Pulmonary function tests and chest X ray were done in both groups. there were differences between QWs and the CFWs; QWs were younger, shorter and thinner. The number of sick individuals might be considered significantly different, showing a smaller proportion on the cement production line. The quarry workers have been on the company for a shorter period of time and, in the end, they present more serious pulmonary problems with an average of 3 years working. the amount of free-silica that is managed on the quarry affects the workers in some way, even when literature states that the evolution of industrial bronchitis and silicosis have a period development of approximately 10 years.