Post on 11-Mar-2015
Pub Med search 2 July 2011
Silicosis AND granite
J Occup Environ Hyg 2011 Feb8(2)71-9
Silica exposure assessment in a mortality study of Vermont granite workers
Verma DK Vacek PM des Tombe K Finkelstein M Branch B Gibbs GW Graham WG
Source
Program in Occupational Health and Environmental Medicine McMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada
Abstract
A study of past silica and respirable dust exposures in the Vermont granite industry was conducted to develop a job
exposure matrix (JEM) that used 5204 industrial hygiene measurements made from 1924-2004 The construction of
the JEM involved data entry from several original sources into an Excel database that was reviewed later to ensure
accuracy Exposure measurements by job or location were grouped in two broad categories of quarry or shed and
then into 22 job classes Missing exposure data by time period were computed taking into account improvements in
dust control and periods of significant reduction in dustiness Percent free silica (α-quartz) in respirable dust was
estimated to be 110 based on previous published studies in Vermont and on data in the current database About
60 of all measurement data (primarily from years prior to 1972) were obtained using the impinger and expressed in
millions of particles per cubic foot (mppcf) which were converted to equivalent respirable free silica concentrations
using the conversion of 10 mppcf = 01 mgm(3) of respirable silica For impinger data respirable dust was calculated
by multiplying respirable silica by a factor of 9091 to reflect that the respirable silica was 110 respirable dust This
JEM has been used in a recent epidemiologic study to assess mortality in Vermont granite workers and to examine
the relationships among mortality from silicosis lung cancer and other nonmalignant respiratory diseases
PMID
21229455
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustanalysis
Extraction and Processing Industrystatistics amp numerical data
Humans
Job Description
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Occupational Exposurestatistics amp numerical data
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
2
Occup Environ Med 2011 May68(5)312-8 Epub 2010 Sep 19
Mortality in Vermont granite workers and its association with silica exposure
Vacek PM Verma DK Graham WG Callas PW Gibbs GW
Source
Department of Medical Biostatistics University of Vermont Burlington Vermont 05405 USA
PamelaVacekuvmedu
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess mortality in Vermont granite workers and examine relationships between silica exposure
and mortality from lung cancer kidney cancer non-malignant kidney disease silicosis and other non-malignant
respiratory disease Methods Workers employed between 1947 and 1998 were identified Exposures were estimated
using a job-exposure matrix Mortality was assessed through 2004 and standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) were
computed Associations between mortality and exposure to silica were assessed by nested case-control analyses
using conditional logistic regression Results 7052 workers had sufficient data for statistical analysis SMRs were
significantly elevated for lung cancer (SMR 137 95 CI 123 to 152) silicosis (SMR 5913 95 CI 4455 to
7697) tuberculosis (SMR 2174 95 CI 1837 to 2556) and other non-malignant respiratory disease (SMR 174
95 CI 150 to 202) but not for kidney cancer or non-malignant kidney disease In nested case-control analyses
significant associations with cumulative exposure to respirable free silica were observed for silicosis (OR 113 95
CI 105 to 121 for each 1 mgm(3)-year increase in cumulative exposure) and other non-malignant respiratory
disease (OR 110 95 CI 103 to 116) but not for lung cancer (OR 099 95 CI 094 to 103) kidney cancer (OR
096 95 CI 084 to 109) or non-malignant kidney disease (OR 095 95 CI 084 to 108) Conclusions Exposure
to crystalline silica in Vermont granite workers was associated with increased mortality from silicosis and other non-
malignant respiratory disease but there was no evidence that increased lung cancer mortality in the cohort was due
to exposure Mortality from malignant and non-malignant kidney disease was not significantly increased or associated
with exposure
PMID
20855299
[PubMed - in process]
PMCID PMC3088478
Free PMC Article
Related citations
Publication Types
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
J Occup Environ Med 2008 Jul50(7)827-33
High prevalence and advanced silicosis in active granite workers a dose-response analysis including FEV1
Rego G Pichel A Quero A Dubois A Martiacutenez C Isidro I Gil M Cuervo V Gonzaacutelez A
Source
National Institute of Silicosis Oviedo Spain Gumersinoregosespaprincastes
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate silica exposure and respiratory disease in granite workers
METHODS
A cross-sectional study of 440 active granite workers
RESULTS
Seventy-seven (175) have silicosis complicated in 15 of them 18 have an obstructive ventilatory defect and 73
had exceeded 35 mgm-year of cumulative silica exposure Percent predicted FEV1 have a significant negative
relation with mgm(3)-year (P lt 0001) with a trend toward dose-response excluding silicotics and controlling for
tobacco The odds ratio (95 confidence interval) of having a percent predicted FEV1 below 50th percentile is 118
(066 to 211) for nonexposed smokers 147 (076 to 284) for exposed nonsmokers and 207 (112 to 385) for
exposed smokers in comparison with the control group
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that silica induces functional alteration regardless of silicosis and in all likelihood
synergistically with tobacco Exposure levels must be controlled better in these workers and those with silicosis must
be relocated to risk-free jobs or retired
PMID
18617839
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Environmental Pollutantstoxicity
Forced Expiratory Volumedrug effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Odds Ratio
Respiratory Tract Infectionschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisclassification
Silicosisepidemiology
Spain
Young Adult
Substances
Environmental Pollutants
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Environ Health 2007 Oct-Dec22(4)255-72
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and occupational exposure to silica
Rushton L
Source
Imperial College London Department of Epidemiology and Public Health Faculty of Medicine St Marys Campus
Norfolk Place London W2 1PG UK lrushtonimperialacuk
Abstract
Prolonged exposure to high levels of silica has long been known to cause silicosis This paper evaluates the
evidence for an increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in occupations and industries in
which exposure to crystalline silica is the primary exposure with a focus on the magnitude of risks and levels of
exposure causing disabling health effects The literature suggests consistently elevated risks of developing COPD
associated with silica exposure in several occupations including the construction industry tunneling cement
industry brick manufacturing pottery and ceramic work silica sand granite and diatomaceous earth industries gold
mining and iron and steel founding with risk estimates being high in some even after taking into account the effect
of confounders like smoking Average dust levels vary from about 05 mgm3 to over 10 mgm3 and average silica
levels from 004 to over 5 mgm3 often well above occupational standards Factors influencing the variation from
industry to industry in risks associated with exposure to silica-containing dusts include (a) the presence of other
minerals in the dust particularly when associated with clay minerals (b) the size of the particles and percentage of
quartz (c) the physicochemical characteristics such as whether the dust is freshly fractured Longitudinal studies
suggest that loss of lung function occurs with exposure to silica dust at concentrations of between 01 and 02 mgm3
and that the effect of cumulative silica dust exposure on airflow obstruction is independent of silicosis Nevertheless
a disabling loss of lung function in the absence of silicosis would not occur until between 30 and 40 years exposure
PMID
18351226
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Review
MeSH Terms
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Dust
Humans
Inhalation Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Particle Size
Pulmonary Disease Chronic Obstructiveetiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Spirometry
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2007 Oct64(10)681-7 Epub 2007 Apr 20
Reducing healthy worker survivor bias by restricting date of hire in a cohort study of Vermont granite workers
Applebaum KM Malloy EJ Eisen EA
Source
Harvard School of Public Health Department of Environmental Health Boston Massachusetts 02115 USA
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To explore the healthy worker survivor effect (HWSE) in a study of Vermont granite workers by distinguishing
prevalent from incident hires based on date of hire before or after the start of follow-up
METHODS
Records of workers between 1950 and 1982 were obtained from a medical surveillance programme Proportional
hazards models were used to model the association between silica exposure and lung cancer mortality with
penalised splines used to smooth the exposure-response relationship A sensitivity analysis compared results
between the original cohort and subcohorts defined by restricting date of hire to include varying proportions of
prevalent hires
RESULTS
Restricting to incident hires reduced the 213 cases by 74 and decreased the exposure range The maximum
mortality rate ratio (MRR) was close to twofold in all subcohorts However the exposure at which the maximum MRR
was achieved decreased from 40 to 06 mg-yearm3 as the proportion of prevalent hires decreased from 50 in the
original cohort to 0 in the subcohort of incident hires
CONCLUSION
Despite loss in power and restricted exposure range decreasing the relative proportion of prevalent to incident hires
reduced HWSE bias resulting in stronger evidence for a dose-response between silica exposure and lung cancer
mortality
PMID
17449560
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2078404
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support NIH Extramural
MeSH Terms
Aged
Bias (Epidemiology)
Cohort Studies
Employmentstatistics amp numerical data
Follow-Up Studies
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Incidence
Industrystatistics amp numerical data
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Prevalence
Proportional Hazards Models
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Survival Analysis
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
CA81345CANCI NIH HHSUnited States
T32 ES07155ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
J Public Health Policy 2005 Jul26(2)192-202 discussion 203-5
Change in the world of occupational health silica control then and now
Rosenberg B Levenstein C Spangler E
Source
Department of Public Health and Family Medicine Tufts University School of Medicine Boston MA 02111 USA
Abstract
To control silicosis we need to understand how change happens in occupational health Science alone does not
drive policy because we have known the causes of silicosis and how to prevent it for decades yet the disease
persists To control occupational disease we need to enter the social realm of work To investigate the determinants
of a successful silicosis control program we wrote a social history of the Vermont Granite Industry from 1938 to
1960 examining union journals newspapers industry journals scientific literature and government documents and
interviewing key informants The crucial factor of the successful program was a strong public health movement to
control tuberculosis rather than pressure to control the occupational disease Using this lesson to protect workers
from silica exposure now we chose to regulate silica under an environmental law the Massachusetts Toxics Use
Reduction Act Science is but one small factor necessary but insufficient in policy change We in occupational health
need to hitch onto a stronger movement currently the environmental movement Where unions are too weak to
demand safe technologies we need to learn to speak the language of employers because they may have little idea
of the costs of interventions We need to gather more economic information about the costs of interventions
PMID
16022212
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support NIH Extramural
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Dustprevention amp control
Humans
Industry
Massachusettsepidemiology
Occupational Exposureprevention amp control
Occupational Health
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Grant Support
U60CCU112232-01CCCDC HHSUnited States
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
Re Attfield M Costello J Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers Am J Ind Med 45129-138 2004
Graham WG
Comment on
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
PMID
15202130
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comment
Letter
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
J Occup Environ Med 2004 May46(5)459-66
Vermont granite mortality study an update with an emphasis on lung cancer
Graham WG Costello J Vacek PM
Source
Pulmonary Unit University of Vermont College of Medicine Burlington Vermont USA wgrahamuvmedu
Erratum in
J Occup Environ Med 2004 Aug46(8)876
Abstract
This mortality study extends the period of observation of an article published in 1988 of 5414 workers in Vermont
granite sheds and quarries to assess whether previously reported reductions in silicosis and tuberculosis mortality
were maintained The relationship between lung cancer and quartz exposure is also examined by comparing mortality
in workers hired before and after 1940 when dust controls were introduced and exposures were reduced by 80 to
90 Before 1940 general stone shed air contained 20 million particlescubic foot (mppcf) (approximately equivalent
to 02 mgm of quartz) and pneumatic chisel workers were exposed on average to 60 mppcf (approximately
equivalent to 06 mgm of quartz) Other workers had variable exposures After 1940 a period of decline occurred in
dust levels and then stabilized in approximately 1955 when average dust levels were 5 to 6 mppcf (equivalent to
005-06 mgm of quartz) Dust exposures in the Vermont industry is considered to be free of confounding
occupational substances such as arsenic although cigarette smoking was common By the end of 1996 2539
workers or 469 of the cohort had died There were no silicosis deaths in workers hired after 1940 who were
exposed only in the Vermont granite industry illustrating the effect of lowering quartz exposures Tuberculosis
caused 2 deaths in those hired after 1940 (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 052 not significant) Overall lung
cancer mortality was elevated in shed workers who had been exposed both to high levels of quartz before 1940 and
to the lower levels prevailing after 1940 (SMR = 132 P lt 001) Quarry workers did not show an excess of lung
cancer (SMR = 073 not significant) When shed workers with high and low exposure histories (before and after
1940) but with comparable latency and tenure were contrasted lung cancer mortality was similar Differing levels of
quartz exposure which resulted in large differences in the mortality experience from silicosis did not result in
differences in lung cancer mortality The results do not support the hypothesis that granite dust exposure has a
causal association with lung cancer
PMID
15167394
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cause of Death
Cohort Studies
Environmental Exposure
Extraction and Processing Industry
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers
Attfield MD Costello J
Source
Division of Respiratory Disease Studies NIOSH Morgantown West Virginia 26505 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Excess lung cancer mortality among the exposed Vermont granite workers has been reported These studies were
based on job and tenure surrogates with the potential for misclassification and inability to evaluate quantitative
exposure-response
METHODS
Industrial hygiene data collected from 1924 to 1977 was analyzed in conjunction with mortality data to examine
quantitative exposure-response for silica lung cancer and other lung diseases A person-years analysis was
undertaken by cumulative exposure group including lagged and unlagged tabulations Poisson models were fitted to
untransformed and log transformed exposure
RESULTS
The results indicated a clear relationship of lung cancer tuberculosis pneumoconiosis non-malignant lung disease
and kidney cancer with cumulative exposure An exposure to 005 mgm(3) from age 20 to 64 was associated with a
lifetime excess risk of lung cancer for white males of 271000
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study of workers exposed almost exclusively to silica and no other major occupational confounding
exposures indicate a clear exposure-response for lung cancer
Comment in
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
PMID
14748044
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Confounding Factors (Epidemiology)
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Life Tables
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Poisson Distribution
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 2002 Jun17(6)424-9
An evaluation of compliance with occupational exposure limits for crystalline silica (quartz) in ten Georgia granite sheds
Wickman AR Middendorf PJ
Source
Electro-Optics Environmental and Materials Laboratory Georgia Tech Research Institute Atlanta USA
Abstract
Since the 1920s industrial hygiene studies have documented granite shed workers exposures to crystalline silica
and the data from these studies have contributed to a better understanding of the relationship between silica
exposures and adverse health effects such as silicosis The majority of these studies were conducted in the Barre
Vermont granite sheds However a second major granite processing region is located in Elberton Georgia where
approximately 1800 workers are employed in 150 granite sheds and 45 quarries The current study reports the
exposures of 40 workers in 10 granite sheds in Elberton Georgia The arithmetic mean exposure to silica for all
monitored employees was 0052 mgm3 Employees were classified into one of seven job task groups The job task
group with the greatest exposure was the top polish group which had a mean exposure of 0085 mgm3 Among the
top polish workers the greatest percentage of exposures above the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations
permissible exposure limit (OSHA PEL) occurred among the workers who used dry grinders Wet methods were
effective in reducing these exposures to below the OSHA PEL The mean exposure of Elberton granite shed workers
was less than the OSHA PEL but was not below the threshold limit value of the American Conference of Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH TLV) which was lowered in the year 2000 to 005 mgm3 The Elberton granite shed workers
provide a valuable cohort for research on the effects of exposure to crystalline silica at levels between the ACGIH
TLV and the OSHA PEL They are a relatively permanent worker population are concentrated geographically and
have a quantitatively documented exposure to crystalline silica over the past twenty years
PMID
12049432
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
MeSH Terms
Environmental Monitoring
Georgia
Guideline Adherence
Humans
Job Description
Occupational Exposure
Public Policy
Reference Values
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
United States
United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)773-84
Pooled exposure-response analyses and risk assessment for lung cancer in 10 cohorts of silica-exposed workers an IARC multicentre study
Steenland K Mannetje A Boffetta P Stayner L Attfield M Chen J Dosemeci M DeKlerk N Hnizdo E Koskela R
Checkoway H International Agency for Research on Cancer
Source
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati USA nsteenlandcdcgov
Erratum in
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)777
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Silica is one of the most common occupational exposures worldwide In 1997 the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) classified inhaled crystalline silica as a human carcinogen (group 1) but acknowledged limitations
in the epidemiologic data including inconsistencies across studies and the lack of extensive exposure-response data
We have conducted a pooled exposure-response analysis of 10 silica-exposed cohorts to investigate lung cancer
METHODS
The pooled cohort included 65980 workers (44160 miners 21820 nominees) and 1072 lung cancer deaths (663
miners 409 nonminers) Follow-up has been extended for five of these cohorts beyond published data Quantitative
exposure estimates by job and calendar time were adopted modified or developed to permit common analyses by
respirable silica (mgm3) across cohorts
RESULTS
The log of cumulative exposure with a 15-year lag was a strong predictor of lung cancer (p = 00001) with
consistency across studies (test for heterogeneity p = 034) Results for the log of cumulative exposure were
consistent between underground mines and other facilities Categorical analyses by quintile of cumulative exposure
resulted in a monotonic trend with odds ratios of 10 10 13 15 16 Analyses using a spline curve also showed a
monotonic increase in risk with increasing exposure The estimated excess lifetime risk (through age 75) of lung
cancer for a worker exposed from age 20 to 65 at 01 mgm3 respirable crystalline silica (the permissible level in
many countries) was 11-17 above background risks of 3-6
CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the decision by the IARC to classify inhaled silica in occupational settings as a carcinogen and
suggest that the current exposure limits in many countries may be inadequate These data represent the first
quantitative exposure-response analysis and risk assessment for silica using data from multiple studies
Comment in
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)785-7
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)779-80 author reply 781-2
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)783-4 author reply 785
PMID
11714104
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
Review
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalstandards
Carcinogens Environmentaladverse effects
Cohort Studies
Diatomaceous Earthadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Goldadverse effects
Humans
Linear Models
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Maximum Allowable Concentration
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Risk Assessment
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidestandards
Silicosiscomplications
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Carcinogens Environmental
granite
Diatomaceous Earth
Gold
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2001 Jul58(7)467-71
Radiological progression and its predictive risk factors in silicosis
Lee HS Phoon WH Ng TP
Source
Department of Occupational Health Ministry of Manpower 18 Havelock Road 05-01 Singapore 059764
lee_hock_siangmomgovsg
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the risk factors predicting radiological progression in silicosis in a prospective cohort study of patients
with silicosis who were previously exposed to silica from granite dust
METHODS
From among a total of 260 patients with silicosis contracted from granite work 141 with available serial chest x ray
films of acceptable quality taken over a period of 2 to 17 (mean 75) years were selected for study Ninety four
(667) had ended exposure 5 or more years previously (mean 101 years maximum 28 years) Radiological
progression was assessed by paired comparison of the initial and most recent radiographs with two or more steps of
increase in profusion of small opacities according to the 12 point scale of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis taken from the majority reading by a panel of three independent
readers
RESULTS
Overall 37 of patients with silicosis had radiological evidence of progression From the initial radiographs 24
(316) of those with radiological profusion category 1 15 (375) of those with radiological profusion category 2
and 13 (52) of those with complicated silicosis (including all seven with category 3 profusion of small opacities)
showed radiological progression As expected progression was more likely to be found after longer periods of follow
up (the interval between the two chest x ray films) with a 20 increased odds of progression for every additional year
of follow up After adjustment for varying intervals of follow up the probability of radiological progression was found to
be significant if large opacities were present in the initial chest x ray film Progression was also less likely to be found
among those who had ended exposure to silica longer ago although the result was of borderline significance
(p=007) Tuberculosis was also associated with increased likelihood of progression (borderline significance)
CONCLUSIONS
There is a high probability of radiological progression in silicosis after high levels of exposure to granite dust among
workers who were followed up for up to 17 years A significant risk factor is the extent of radiological opacities in the
initial chest x ray film The probability of progression is also likely to be reduced with longer periods after the end of
exposure
PMID
11404452
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1740153
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Disease Progression
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Exposurestatistics amp numerical data
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Silicosispathology
Silicosisradiography
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
J Occup Environ Med 2001 Apr43(4)412-7
Radiographic abnormalities in long-tenure Vermont granite workers and the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica
Graham WG Vacek PM Morgan WK Muir DC Sisco-Cheng B
Source
Pulmonary Division Department of Medicine University of Vermont College of Medicine 420 Lake Road Charlotte
VT 05445 USA
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities consistent with silicosis in a
group of 600 retired granite workers who were receiving pensions Files of regional clinics and hospitals were
searched for chest radiographs taken on these men and 470 x-ray films suitable for interpretation were located After
exclusions (women and men who had worked in the granite industry elsewhere) 408 x-ray films were independently
read by three experienced readers using the 1980 International Labour Office scheme Dust exposures were
estimated for workers hired after 1940 when the dust-control standard of 10 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf)
(equivalent to 01 mgm3) was put in place and monitored by the Vermont Division of Industrial Hygiene Dust levels
were initially high but were gradually reduced from 1940 to 1954 after which average quartz exposures stabilized to a
mean of approximately 005 to 006 mgm3 however about 10 to 15 of samples after 1954 exceeded 01 mgm3
Of the 408 x-ray films 58 were taken on workers hired before dust controls were instituted in 1940 and 259
showed abnormalities (a profusion score of 10 or greater) A total of 350 x-ray films were taken on workers hired in
1940 or after and the prevalence in this group was 57 The radiographic changes in workers hired after 1940 are
likely due to excessive exposures during the first 15 years of dust control We conclude that if the exposure standard
of 01 mgm3 is rigorously observed in the workplace radiographic abnormalities caused by quartz dust in long-term
workers will be rare
Comment in
J Occup Environ Med 2002 Apr44(4)308 author reply 308-9
PMID
11322102
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Threshold Limit Values
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Sep14(9)577-82
Silica exposure during granite countertop fabrication
Simcox NJ Lofgren D Leons J Camp J
Source
University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group Seattle 98195-4695 USA
PMID
10510518
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustanalysis
Extraction and Processing Industrystatistics amp numerical data
Humans
Job Description
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Occupational Exposurestatistics amp numerical data
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
2
Occup Environ Med 2011 May68(5)312-8 Epub 2010 Sep 19
Mortality in Vermont granite workers and its association with silica exposure
Vacek PM Verma DK Graham WG Callas PW Gibbs GW
Source
Department of Medical Biostatistics University of Vermont Burlington Vermont 05405 USA
PamelaVacekuvmedu
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess mortality in Vermont granite workers and examine relationships between silica exposure
and mortality from lung cancer kidney cancer non-malignant kidney disease silicosis and other non-malignant
respiratory disease Methods Workers employed between 1947 and 1998 were identified Exposures were estimated
using a job-exposure matrix Mortality was assessed through 2004 and standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) were
computed Associations between mortality and exposure to silica were assessed by nested case-control analyses
using conditional logistic regression Results 7052 workers had sufficient data for statistical analysis SMRs were
significantly elevated for lung cancer (SMR 137 95 CI 123 to 152) silicosis (SMR 5913 95 CI 4455 to
7697) tuberculosis (SMR 2174 95 CI 1837 to 2556) and other non-malignant respiratory disease (SMR 174
95 CI 150 to 202) but not for kidney cancer or non-malignant kidney disease In nested case-control analyses
significant associations with cumulative exposure to respirable free silica were observed for silicosis (OR 113 95
CI 105 to 121 for each 1 mgm(3)-year increase in cumulative exposure) and other non-malignant respiratory
disease (OR 110 95 CI 103 to 116) but not for lung cancer (OR 099 95 CI 094 to 103) kidney cancer (OR
096 95 CI 084 to 109) or non-malignant kidney disease (OR 095 95 CI 084 to 108) Conclusions Exposure
to crystalline silica in Vermont granite workers was associated with increased mortality from silicosis and other non-
malignant respiratory disease but there was no evidence that increased lung cancer mortality in the cohort was due
to exposure Mortality from malignant and non-malignant kidney disease was not significantly increased or associated
with exposure
PMID
20855299
[PubMed - in process]
PMCID PMC3088478
Free PMC Article
Related citations
Publication Types
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
J Occup Environ Med 2008 Jul50(7)827-33
High prevalence and advanced silicosis in active granite workers a dose-response analysis including FEV1
Rego G Pichel A Quero A Dubois A Martiacutenez C Isidro I Gil M Cuervo V Gonzaacutelez A
Source
National Institute of Silicosis Oviedo Spain Gumersinoregosespaprincastes
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate silica exposure and respiratory disease in granite workers
METHODS
A cross-sectional study of 440 active granite workers
RESULTS
Seventy-seven (175) have silicosis complicated in 15 of them 18 have an obstructive ventilatory defect and 73
had exceeded 35 mgm-year of cumulative silica exposure Percent predicted FEV1 have a significant negative
relation with mgm(3)-year (P lt 0001) with a trend toward dose-response excluding silicotics and controlling for
tobacco The odds ratio (95 confidence interval) of having a percent predicted FEV1 below 50th percentile is 118
(066 to 211) for nonexposed smokers 147 (076 to 284) for exposed nonsmokers and 207 (112 to 385) for
exposed smokers in comparison with the control group
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that silica induces functional alteration regardless of silicosis and in all likelihood
synergistically with tobacco Exposure levels must be controlled better in these workers and those with silicosis must
be relocated to risk-free jobs or retired
PMID
18617839
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Environmental Pollutantstoxicity
Forced Expiratory Volumedrug effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Odds Ratio
Respiratory Tract Infectionschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisclassification
Silicosisepidemiology
Spain
Young Adult
Substances
Environmental Pollutants
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Environ Health 2007 Oct-Dec22(4)255-72
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and occupational exposure to silica
Rushton L
Source
Imperial College London Department of Epidemiology and Public Health Faculty of Medicine St Marys Campus
Norfolk Place London W2 1PG UK lrushtonimperialacuk
Abstract
Prolonged exposure to high levels of silica has long been known to cause silicosis This paper evaluates the
evidence for an increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in occupations and industries in
which exposure to crystalline silica is the primary exposure with a focus on the magnitude of risks and levels of
exposure causing disabling health effects The literature suggests consistently elevated risks of developing COPD
associated with silica exposure in several occupations including the construction industry tunneling cement
industry brick manufacturing pottery and ceramic work silica sand granite and diatomaceous earth industries gold
mining and iron and steel founding with risk estimates being high in some even after taking into account the effect
of confounders like smoking Average dust levels vary from about 05 mgm3 to over 10 mgm3 and average silica
levels from 004 to over 5 mgm3 often well above occupational standards Factors influencing the variation from
industry to industry in risks associated with exposure to silica-containing dusts include (a) the presence of other
minerals in the dust particularly when associated with clay minerals (b) the size of the particles and percentage of
quartz (c) the physicochemical characteristics such as whether the dust is freshly fractured Longitudinal studies
suggest that loss of lung function occurs with exposure to silica dust at concentrations of between 01 and 02 mgm3
and that the effect of cumulative silica dust exposure on airflow obstruction is independent of silicosis Nevertheless
a disabling loss of lung function in the absence of silicosis would not occur until between 30 and 40 years exposure
PMID
18351226
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Review
MeSH Terms
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Dust
Humans
Inhalation Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Particle Size
Pulmonary Disease Chronic Obstructiveetiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Spirometry
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2007 Oct64(10)681-7 Epub 2007 Apr 20
Reducing healthy worker survivor bias by restricting date of hire in a cohort study of Vermont granite workers
Applebaum KM Malloy EJ Eisen EA
Source
Harvard School of Public Health Department of Environmental Health Boston Massachusetts 02115 USA
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To explore the healthy worker survivor effect (HWSE) in a study of Vermont granite workers by distinguishing
prevalent from incident hires based on date of hire before or after the start of follow-up
METHODS
Records of workers between 1950 and 1982 were obtained from a medical surveillance programme Proportional
hazards models were used to model the association between silica exposure and lung cancer mortality with
penalised splines used to smooth the exposure-response relationship A sensitivity analysis compared results
between the original cohort and subcohorts defined by restricting date of hire to include varying proportions of
prevalent hires
RESULTS
Restricting to incident hires reduced the 213 cases by 74 and decreased the exposure range The maximum
mortality rate ratio (MRR) was close to twofold in all subcohorts However the exposure at which the maximum MRR
was achieved decreased from 40 to 06 mg-yearm3 as the proportion of prevalent hires decreased from 50 in the
original cohort to 0 in the subcohort of incident hires
CONCLUSION
Despite loss in power and restricted exposure range decreasing the relative proportion of prevalent to incident hires
reduced HWSE bias resulting in stronger evidence for a dose-response between silica exposure and lung cancer
mortality
PMID
17449560
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2078404
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support NIH Extramural
MeSH Terms
Aged
Bias (Epidemiology)
Cohort Studies
Employmentstatistics amp numerical data
Follow-Up Studies
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Incidence
Industrystatistics amp numerical data
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Prevalence
Proportional Hazards Models
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Survival Analysis
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
CA81345CANCI NIH HHSUnited States
T32 ES07155ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
J Public Health Policy 2005 Jul26(2)192-202 discussion 203-5
Change in the world of occupational health silica control then and now
Rosenberg B Levenstein C Spangler E
Source
Department of Public Health and Family Medicine Tufts University School of Medicine Boston MA 02111 USA
Abstract
To control silicosis we need to understand how change happens in occupational health Science alone does not
drive policy because we have known the causes of silicosis and how to prevent it for decades yet the disease
persists To control occupational disease we need to enter the social realm of work To investigate the determinants
of a successful silicosis control program we wrote a social history of the Vermont Granite Industry from 1938 to
1960 examining union journals newspapers industry journals scientific literature and government documents and
interviewing key informants The crucial factor of the successful program was a strong public health movement to
control tuberculosis rather than pressure to control the occupational disease Using this lesson to protect workers
from silica exposure now we chose to regulate silica under an environmental law the Massachusetts Toxics Use
Reduction Act Science is but one small factor necessary but insufficient in policy change We in occupational health
need to hitch onto a stronger movement currently the environmental movement Where unions are too weak to
demand safe technologies we need to learn to speak the language of employers because they may have little idea
of the costs of interventions We need to gather more economic information about the costs of interventions
PMID
16022212
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support NIH Extramural
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Dustprevention amp control
Humans
Industry
Massachusettsepidemiology
Occupational Exposureprevention amp control
Occupational Health
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Grant Support
U60CCU112232-01CCCDC HHSUnited States
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
Re Attfield M Costello J Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers Am J Ind Med 45129-138 2004
Graham WG
Comment on
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
PMID
15202130
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comment
Letter
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
J Occup Environ Med 2004 May46(5)459-66
Vermont granite mortality study an update with an emphasis on lung cancer
Graham WG Costello J Vacek PM
Source
Pulmonary Unit University of Vermont College of Medicine Burlington Vermont USA wgrahamuvmedu
Erratum in
J Occup Environ Med 2004 Aug46(8)876
Abstract
This mortality study extends the period of observation of an article published in 1988 of 5414 workers in Vermont
granite sheds and quarries to assess whether previously reported reductions in silicosis and tuberculosis mortality
were maintained The relationship between lung cancer and quartz exposure is also examined by comparing mortality
in workers hired before and after 1940 when dust controls were introduced and exposures were reduced by 80 to
90 Before 1940 general stone shed air contained 20 million particlescubic foot (mppcf) (approximately equivalent
to 02 mgm of quartz) and pneumatic chisel workers were exposed on average to 60 mppcf (approximately
equivalent to 06 mgm of quartz) Other workers had variable exposures After 1940 a period of decline occurred in
dust levels and then stabilized in approximately 1955 when average dust levels were 5 to 6 mppcf (equivalent to
005-06 mgm of quartz) Dust exposures in the Vermont industry is considered to be free of confounding
occupational substances such as arsenic although cigarette smoking was common By the end of 1996 2539
workers or 469 of the cohort had died There were no silicosis deaths in workers hired after 1940 who were
exposed only in the Vermont granite industry illustrating the effect of lowering quartz exposures Tuberculosis
caused 2 deaths in those hired after 1940 (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 052 not significant) Overall lung
cancer mortality was elevated in shed workers who had been exposed both to high levels of quartz before 1940 and
to the lower levels prevailing after 1940 (SMR = 132 P lt 001) Quarry workers did not show an excess of lung
cancer (SMR = 073 not significant) When shed workers with high and low exposure histories (before and after
1940) but with comparable latency and tenure were contrasted lung cancer mortality was similar Differing levels of
quartz exposure which resulted in large differences in the mortality experience from silicosis did not result in
differences in lung cancer mortality The results do not support the hypothesis that granite dust exposure has a
causal association with lung cancer
PMID
15167394
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cause of Death
Cohort Studies
Environmental Exposure
Extraction and Processing Industry
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers
Attfield MD Costello J
Source
Division of Respiratory Disease Studies NIOSH Morgantown West Virginia 26505 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Excess lung cancer mortality among the exposed Vermont granite workers has been reported These studies were
based on job and tenure surrogates with the potential for misclassification and inability to evaluate quantitative
exposure-response
METHODS
Industrial hygiene data collected from 1924 to 1977 was analyzed in conjunction with mortality data to examine
quantitative exposure-response for silica lung cancer and other lung diseases A person-years analysis was
undertaken by cumulative exposure group including lagged and unlagged tabulations Poisson models were fitted to
untransformed and log transformed exposure
RESULTS
The results indicated a clear relationship of lung cancer tuberculosis pneumoconiosis non-malignant lung disease
and kidney cancer with cumulative exposure An exposure to 005 mgm(3) from age 20 to 64 was associated with a
lifetime excess risk of lung cancer for white males of 271000
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study of workers exposed almost exclusively to silica and no other major occupational confounding
exposures indicate a clear exposure-response for lung cancer
Comment in
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
PMID
14748044
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Confounding Factors (Epidemiology)
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Life Tables
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Poisson Distribution
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 2002 Jun17(6)424-9
An evaluation of compliance with occupational exposure limits for crystalline silica (quartz) in ten Georgia granite sheds
Wickman AR Middendorf PJ
Source
Electro-Optics Environmental and Materials Laboratory Georgia Tech Research Institute Atlanta USA
Abstract
Since the 1920s industrial hygiene studies have documented granite shed workers exposures to crystalline silica
and the data from these studies have contributed to a better understanding of the relationship between silica
exposures and adverse health effects such as silicosis The majority of these studies were conducted in the Barre
Vermont granite sheds However a second major granite processing region is located in Elberton Georgia where
approximately 1800 workers are employed in 150 granite sheds and 45 quarries The current study reports the
exposures of 40 workers in 10 granite sheds in Elberton Georgia The arithmetic mean exposure to silica for all
monitored employees was 0052 mgm3 Employees were classified into one of seven job task groups The job task
group with the greatest exposure was the top polish group which had a mean exposure of 0085 mgm3 Among the
top polish workers the greatest percentage of exposures above the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations
permissible exposure limit (OSHA PEL) occurred among the workers who used dry grinders Wet methods were
effective in reducing these exposures to below the OSHA PEL The mean exposure of Elberton granite shed workers
was less than the OSHA PEL but was not below the threshold limit value of the American Conference of Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH TLV) which was lowered in the year 2000 to 005 mgm3 The Elberton granite shed workers
provide a valuable cohort for research on the effects of exposure to crystalline silica at levels between the ACGIH
TLV and the OSHA PEL They are a relatively permanent worker population are concentrated geographically and
have a quantitatively documented exposure to crystalline silica over the past twenty years
PMID
12049432
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
MeSH Terms
Environmental Monitoring
Georgia
Guideline Adherence
Humans
Job Description
Occupational Exposure
Public Policy
Reference Values
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
United States
United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)773-84
Pooled exposure-response analyses and risk assessment for lung cancer in 10 cohorts of silica-exposed workers an IARC multicentre study
Steenland K Mannetje A Boffetta P Stayner L Attfield M Chen J Dosemeci M DeKlerk N Hnizdo E Koskela R
Checkoway H International Agency for Research on Cancer
Source
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati USA nsteenlandcdcgov
Erratum in
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)777
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Silica is one of the most common occupational exposures worldwide In 1997 the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) classified inhaled crystalline silica as a human carcinogen (group 1) but acknowledged limitations
in the epidemiologic data including inconsistencies across studies and the lack of extensive exposure-response data
We have conducted a pooled exposure-response analysis of 10 silica-exposed cohorts to investigate lung cancer
METHODS
The pooled cohort included 65980 workers (44160 miners 21820 nominees) and 1072 lung cancer deaths (663
miners 409 nonminers) Follow-up has been extended for five of these cohorts beyond published data Quantitative
exposure estimates by job and calendar time were adopted modified or developed to permit common analyses by
respirable silica (mgm3) across cohorts
RESULTS
The log of cumulative exposure with a 15-year lag was a strong predictor of lung cancer (p = 00001) with
consistency across studies (test for heterogeneity p = 034) Results for the log of cumulative exposure were
consistent between underground mines and other facilities Categorical analyses by quintile of cumulative exposure
resulted in a monotonic trend with odds ratios of 10 10 13 15 16 Analyses using a spline curve also showed a
monotonic increase in risk with increasing exposure The estimated excess lifetime risk (through age 75) of lung
cancer for a worker exposed from age 20 to 65 at 01 mgm3 respirable crystalline silica (the permissible level in
many countries) was 11-17 above background risks of 3-6
CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the decision by the IARC to classify inhaled silica in occupational settings as a carcinogen and
suggest that the current exposure limits in many countries may be inadequate These data represent the first
quantitative exposure-response analysis and risk assessment for silica using data from multiple studies
Comment in
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)785-7
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)779-80 author reply 781-2
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)783-4 author reply 785
PMID
11714104
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
Review
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalstandards
Carcinogens Environmentaladverse effects
Cohort Studies
Diatomaceous Earthadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Goldadverse effects
Humans
Linear Models
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Maximum Allowable Concentration
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Risk Assessment
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidestandards
Silicosiscomplications
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Carcinogens Environmental
granite
Diatomaceous Earth
Gold
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2001 Jul58(7)467-71
Radiological progression and its predictive risk factors in silicosis
Lee HS Phoon WH Ng TP
Source
Department of Occupational Health Ministry of Manpower 18 Havelock Road 05-01 Singapore 059764
lee_hock_siangmomgovsg
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the risk factors predicting radiological progression in silicosis in a prospective cohort study of patients
with silicosis who were previously exposed to silica from granite dust
METHODS
From among a total of 260 patients with silicosis contracted from granite work 141 with available serial chest x ray
films of acceptable quality taken over a period of 2 to 17 (mean 75) years were selected for study Ninety four
(667) had ended exposure 5 or more years previously (mean 101 years maximum 28 years) Radiological
progression was assessed by paired comparison of the initial and most recent radiographs with two or more steps of
increase in profusion of small opacities according to the 12 point scale of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis taken from the majority reading by a panel of three independent
readers
RESULTS
Overall 37 of patients with silicosis had radiological evidence of progression From the initial radiographs 24
(316) of those with radiological profusion category 1 15 (375) of those with radiological profusion category 2
and 13 (52) of those with complicated silicosis (including all seven with category 3 profusion of small opacities)
showed radiological progression As expected progression was more likely to be found after longer periods of follow
up (the interval between the two chest x ray films) with a 20 increased odds of progression for every additional year
of follow up After adjustment for varying intervals of follow up the probability of radiological progression was found to
be significant if large opacities were present in the initial chest x ray film Progression was also less likely to be found
among those who had ended exposure to silica longer ago although the result was of borderline significance
(p=007) Tuberculosis was also associated with increased likelihood of progression (borderline significance)
CONCLUSIONS
There is a high probability of radiological progression in silicosis after high levels of exposure to granite dust among
workers who were followed up for up to 17 years A significant risk factor is the extent of radiological opacities in the
initial chest x ray film The probability of progression is also likely to be reduced with longer periods after the end of
exposure
PMID
11404452
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1740153
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Disease Progression
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Exposurestatistics amp numerical data
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Silicosispathology
Silicosisradiography
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
J Occup Environ Med 2001 Apr43(4)412-7
Radiographic abnormalities in long-tenure Vermont granite workers and the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica
Graham WG Vacek PM Morgan WK Muir DC Sisco-Cheng B
Source
Pulmonary Division Department of Medicine University of Vermont College of Medicine 420 Lake Road Charlotte
VT 05445 USA
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities consistent with silicosis in a
group of 600 retired granite workers who were receiving pensions Files of regional clinics and hospitals were
searched for chest radiographs taken on these men and 470 x-ray films suitable for interpretation were located After
exclusions (women and men who had worked in the granite industry elsewhere) 408 x-ray films were independently
read by three experienced readers using the 1980 International Labour Office scheme Dust exposures were
estimated for workers hired after 1940 when the dust-control standard of 10 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf)
(equivalent to 01 mgm3) was put in place and monitored by the Vermont Division of Industrial Hygiene Dust levels
were initially high but were gradually reduced from 1940 to 1954 after which average quartz exposures stabilized to a
mean of approximately 005 to 006 mgm3 however about 10 to 15 of samples after 1954 exceeded 01 mgm3
Of the 408 x-ray films 58 were taken on workers hired before dust controls were instituted in 1940 and 259
showed abnormalities (a profusion score of 10 or greater) A total of 350 x-ray films were taken on workers hired in
1940 or after and the prevalence in this group was 57 The radiographic changes in workers hired after 1940 are
likely due to excessive exposures during the first 15 years of dust control We conclude that if the exposure standard
of 01 mgm3 is rigorously observed in the workplace radiographic abnormalities caused by quartz dust in long-term
workers will be rare
Comment in
J Occup Environ Med 2002 Apr44(4)308 author reply 308-9
PMID
11322102
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Threshold Limit Values
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Sep14(9)577-82
Silica exposure during granite countertop fabrication
Simcox NJ Lofgren D Leons J Camp J
Source
University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group Seattle 98195-4695 USA
PMID
10510518
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess mortality in Vermont granite workers and examine relationships between silica exposure
and mortality from lung cancer kidney cancer non-malignant kidney disease silicosis and other non-malignant
respiratory disease Methods Workers employed between 1947 and 1998 were identified Exposures were estimated
using a job-exposure matrix Mortality was assessed through 2004 and standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) were
computed Associations between mortality and exposure to silica were assessed by nested case-control analyses
using conditional logistic regression Results 7052 workers had sufficient data for statistical analysis SMRs were
significantly elevated for lung cancer (SMR 137 95 CI 123 to 152) silicosis (SMR 5913 95 CI 4455 to
7697) tuberculosis (SMR 2174 95 CI 1837 to 2556) and other non-malignant respiratory disease (SMR 174
95 CI 150 to 202) but not for kidney cancer or non-malignant kidney disease In nested case-control analyses
significant associations with cumulative exposure to respirable free silica were observed for silicosis (OR 113 95
CI 105 to 121 for each 1 mgm(3)-year increase in cumulative exposure) and other non-malignant respiratory
disease (OR 110 95 CI 103 to 116) but not for lung cancer (OR 099 95 CI 094 to 103) kidney cancer (OR
096 95 CI 084 to 109) or non-malignant kidney disease (OR 095 95 CI 084 to 108) Conclusions Exposure
to crystalline silica in Vermont granite workers was associated with increased mortality from silicosis and other non-
malignant respiratory disease but there was no evidence that increased lung cancer mortality in the cohort was due
to exposure Mortality from malignant and non-malignant kidney disease was not significantly increased or associated
with exposure
PMID
20855299
[PubMed - in process]
PMCID PMC3088478
Free PMC Article
Related citations
Publication Types
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
J Occup Environ Med 2008 Jul50(7)827-33
High prevalence and advanced silicosis in active granite workers a dose-response analysis including FEV1
Rego G Pichel A Quero A Dubois A Martiacutenez C Isidro I Gil M Cuervo V Gonzaacutelez A
Source
National Institute of Silicosis Oviedo Spain Gumersinoregosespaprincastes
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate silica exposure and respiratory disease in granite workers
METHODS
A cross-sectional study of 440 active granite workers
RESULTS
Seventy-seven (175) have silicosis complicated in 15 of them 18 have an obstructive ventilatory defect and 73
had exceeded 35 mgm-year of cumulative silica exposure Percent predicted FEV1 have a significant negative
relation with mgm(3)-year (P lt 0001) with a trend toward dose-response excluding silicotics and controlling for
tobacco The odds ratio (95 confidence interval) of having a percent predicted FEV1 below 50th percentile is 118
(066 to 211) for nonexposed smokers 147 (076 to 284) for exposed nonsmokers and 207 (112 to 385) for
exposed smokers in comparison with the control group
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that silica induces functional alteration regardless of silicosis and in all likelihood
synergistically with tobacco Exposure levels must be controlled better in these workers and those with silicosis must
be relocated to risk-free jobs or retired
PMID
18617839
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Environmental Pollutantstoxicity
Forced Expiratory Volumedrug effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Odds Ratio
Respiratory Tract Infectionschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisclassification
Silicosisepidemiology
Spain
Young Adult
Substances
Environmental Pollutants
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Environ Health 2007 Oct-Dec22(4)255-72
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and occupational exposure to silica
Rushton L
Source
Imperial College London Department of Epidemiology and Public Health Faculty of Medicine St Marys Campus
Norfolk Place London W2 1PG UK lrushtonimperialacuk
Abstract
Prolonged exposure to high levels of silica has long been known to cause silicosis This paper evaluates the
evidence for an increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in occupations and industries in
which exposure to crystalline silica is the primary exposure with a focus on the magnitude of risks and levels of
exposure causing disabling health effects The literature suggests consistently elevated risks of developing COPD
associated with silica exposure in several occupations including the construction industry tunneling cement
industry brick manufacturing pottery and ceramic work silica sand granite and diatomaceous earth industries gold
mining and iron and steel founding with risk estimates being high in some even after taking into account the effect
of confounders like smoking Average dust levels vary from about 05 mgm3 to over 10 mgm3 and average silica
levels from 004 to over 5 mgm3 often well above occupational standards Factors influencing the variation from
industry to industry in risks associated with exposure to silica-containing dusts include (a) the presence of other
minerals in the dust particularly when associated with clay minerals (b) the size of the particles and percentage of
quartz (c) the physicochemical characteristics such as whether the dust is freshly fractured Longitudinal studies
suggest that loss of lung function occurs with exposure to silica dust at concentrations of between 01 and 02 mgm3
and that the effect of cumulative silica dust exposure on airflow obstruction is independent of silicosis Nevertheless
a disabling loss of lung function in the absence of silicosis would not occur until between 30 and 40 years exposure
PMID
18351226
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Review
MeSH Terms
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Dust
Humans
Inhalation Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Particle Size
Pulmonary Disease Chronic Obstructiveetiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Spirometry
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2007 Oct64(10)681-7 Epub 2007 Apr 20
Reducing healthy worker survivor bias by restricting date of hire in a cohort study of Vermont granite workers
Applebaum KM Malloy EJ Eisen EA
Source
Harvard School of Public Health Department of Environmental Health Boston Massachusetts 02115 USA
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To explore the healthy worker survivor effect (HWSE) in a study of Vermont granite workers by distinguishing
prevalent from incident hires based on date of hire before or after the start of follow-up
METHODS
Records of workers between 1950 and 1982 were obtained from a medical surveillance programme Proportional
hazards models were used to model the association between silica exposure and lung cancer mortality with
penalised splines used to smooth the exposure-response relationship A sensitivity analysis compared results
between the original cohort and subcohorts defined by restricting date of hire to include varying proportions of
prevalent hires
RESULTS
Restricting to incident hires reduced the 213 cases by 74 and decreased the exposure range The maximum
mortality rate ratio (MRR) was close to twofold in all subcohorts However the exposure at which the maximum MRR
was achieved decreased from 40 to 06 mg-yearm3 as the proportion of prevalent hires decreased from 50 in the
original cohort to 0 in the subcohort of incident hires
CONCLUSION
Despite loss in power and restricted exposure range decreasing the relative proportion of prevalent to incident hires
reduced HWSE bias resulting in stronger evidence for a dose-response between silica exposure and lung cancer
mortality
PMID
17449560
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2078404
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support NIH Extramural
MeSH Terms
Aged
Bias (Epidemiology)
Cohort Studies
Employmentstatistics amp numerical data
Follow-Up Studies
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Incidence
Industrystatistics amp numerical data
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Prevalence
Proportional Hazards Models
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Survival Analysis
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
CA81345CANCI NIH HHSUnited States
T32 ES07155ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
J Public Health Policy 2005 Jul26(2)192-202 discussion 203-5
Change in the world of occupational health silica control then and now
Rosenberg B Levenstein C Spangler E
Source
Department of Public Health and Family Medicine Tufts University School of Medicine Boston MA 02111 USA
Abstract
To control silicosis we need to understand how change happens in occupational health Science alone does not
drive policy because we have known the causes of silicosis and how to prevent it for decades yet the disease
persists To control occupational disease we need to enter the social realm of work To investigate the determinants
of a successful silicosis control program we wrote a social history of the Vermont Granite Industry from 1938 to
1960 examining union journals newspapers industry journals scientific literature and government documents and
interviewing key informants The crucial factor of the successful program was a strong public health movement to
control tuberculosis rather than pressure to control the occupational disease Using this lesson to protect workers
from silica exposure now we chose to regulate silica under an environmental law the Massachusetts Toxics Use
Reduction Act Science is but one small factor necessary but insufficient in policy change We in occupational health
need to hitch onto a stronger movement currently the environmental movement Where unions are too weak to
demand safe technologies we need to learn to speak the language of employers because they may have little idea
of the costs of interventions We need to gather more economic information about the costs of interventions
PMID
16022212
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support NIH Extramural
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Dustprevention amp control
Humans
Industry
Massachusettsepidemiology
Occupational Exposureprevention amp control
Occupational Health
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Grant Support
U60CCU112232-01CCCDC HHSUnited States
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
Re Attfield M Costello J Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers Am J Ind Med 45129-138 2004
Graham WG
Comment on
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
PMID
15202130
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comment
Letter
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
J Occup Environ Med 2004 May46(5)459-66
Vermont granite mortality study an update with an emphasis on lung cancer
Graham WG Costello J Vacek PM
Source
Pulmonary Unit University of Vermont College of Medicine Burlington Vermont USA wgrahamuvmedu
Erratum in
J Occup Environ Med 2004 Aug46(8)876
Abstract
This mortality study extends the period of observation of an article published in 1988 of 5414 workers in Vermont
granite sheds and quarries to assess whether previously reported reductions in silicosis and tuberculosis mortality
were maintained The relationship between lung cancer and quartz exposure is also examined by comparing mortality
in workers hired before and after 1940 when dust controls were introduced and exposures were reduced by 80 to
90 Before 1940 general stone shed air contained 20 million particlescubic foot (mppcf) (approximately equivalent
to 02 mgm of quartz) and pneumatic chisel workers were exposed on average to 60 mppcf (approximately
equivalent to 06 mgm of quartz) Other workers had variable exposures After 1940 a period of decline occurred in
dust levels and then stabilized in approximately 1955 when average dust levels were 5 to 6 mppcf (equivalent to
005-06 mgm of quartz) Dust exposures in the Vermont industry is considered to be free of confounding
occupational substances such as arsenic although cigarette smoking was common By the end of 1996 2539
workers or 469 of the cohort had died There were no silicosis deaths in workers hired after 1940 who were
exposed only in the Vermont granite industry illustrating the effect of lowering quartz exposures Tuberculosis
caused 2 deaths in those hired after 1940 (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 052 not significant) Overall lung
cancer mortality was elevated in shed workers who had been exposed both to high levels of quartz before 1940 and
to the lower levels prevailing after 1940 (SMR = 132 P lt 001) Quarry workers did not show an excess of lung
cancer (SMR = 073 not significant) When shed workers with high and low exposure histories (before and after
1940) but with comparable latency and tenure were contrasted lung cancer mortality was similar Differing levels of
quartz exposure which resulted in large differences in the mortality experience from silicosis did not result in
differences in lung cancer mortality The results do not support the hypothesis that granite dust exposure has a
causal association with lung cancer
PMID
15167394
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cause of Death
Cohort Studies
Environmental Exposure
Extraction and Processing Industry
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers
Attfield MD Costello J
Source
Division of Respiratory Disease Studies NIOSH Morgantown West Virginia 26505 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Excess lung cancer mortality among the exposed Vermont granite workers has been reported These studies were
based on job and tenure surrogates with the potential for misclassification and inability to evaluate quantitative
exposure-response
METHODS
Industrial hygiene data collected from 1924 to 1977 was analyzed in conjunction with mortality data to examine
quantitative exposure-response for silica lung cancer and other lung diseases A person-years analysis was
undertaken by cumulative exposure group including lagged and unlagged tabulations Poisson models were fitted to
untransformed and log transformed exposure
RESULTS
The results indicated a clear relationship of lung cancer tuberculosis pneumoconiosis non-malignant lung disease
and kidney cancer with cumulative exposure An exposure to 005 mgm(3) from age 20 to 64 was associated with a
lifetime excess risk of lung cancer for white males of 271000
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study of workers exposed almost exclusively to silica and no other major occupational confounding
exposures indicate a clear exposure-response for lung cancer
Comment in
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
PMID
14748044
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Confounding Factors (Epidemiology)
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Life Tables
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Poisson Distribution
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 2002 Jun17(6)424-9
An evaluation of compliance with occupational exposure limits for crystalline silica (quartz) in ten Georgia granite sheds
Wickman AR Middendorf PJ
Source
Electro-Optics Environmental and Materials Laboratory Georgia Tech Research Institute Atlanta USA
Abstract
Since the 1920s industrial hygiene studies have documented granite shed workers exposures to crystalline silica
and the data from these studies have contributed to a better understanding of the relationship between silica
exposures and adverse health effects such as silicosis The majority of these studies were conducted in the Barre
Vermont granite sheds However a second major granite processing region is located in Elberton Georgia where
approximately 1800 workers are employed in 150 granite sheds and 45 quarries The current study reports the
exposures of 40 workers in 10 granite sheds in Elberton Georgia The arithmetic mean exposure to silica for all
monitored employees was 0052 mgm3 Employees were classified into one of seven job task groups The job task
group with the greatest exposure was the top polish group which had a mean exposure of 0085 mgm3 Among the
top polish workers the greatest percentage of exposures above the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations
permissible exposure limit (OSHA PEL) occurred among the workers who used dry grinders Wet methods were
effective in reducing these exposures to below the OSHA PEL The mean exposure of Elberton granite shed workers
was less than the OSHA PEL but was not below the threshold limit value of the American Conference of Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH TLV) which was lowered in the year 2000 to 005 mgm3 The Elberton granite shed workers
provide a valuable cohort for research on the effects of exposure to crystalline silica at levels between the ACGIH
TLV and the OSHA PEL They are a relatively permanent worker population are concentrated geographically and
have a quantitatively documented exposure to crystalline silica over the past twenty years
PMID
12049432
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
MeSH Terms
Environmental Monitoring
Georgia
Guideline Adherence
Humans
Job Description
Occupational Exposure
Public Policy
Reference Values
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
United States
United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)773-84
Pooled exposure-response analyses and risk assessment for lung cancer in 10 cohorts of silica-exposed workers an IARC multicentre study
Steenland K Mannetje A Boffetta P Stayner L Attfield M Chen J Dosemeci M DeKlerk N Hnizdo E Koskela R
Checkoway H International Agency for Research on Cancer
Source
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati USA nsteenlandcdcgov
Erratum in
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)777
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Silica is one of the most common occupational exposures worldwide In 1997 the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) classified inhaled crystalline silica as a human carcinogen (group 1) but acknowledged limitations
in the epidemiologic data including inconsistencies across studies and the lack of extensive exposure-response data
We have conducted a pooled exposure-response analysis of 10 silica-exposed cohorts to investigate lung cancer
METHODS
The pooled cohort included 65980 workers (44160 miners 21820 nominees) and 1072 lung cancer deaths (663
miners 409 nonminers) Follow-up has been extended for five of these cohorts beyond published data Quantitative
exposure estimates by job and calendar time were adopted modified or developed to permit common analyses by
respirable silica (mgm3) across cohorts
RESULTS
The log of cumulative exposure with a 15-year lag was a strong predictor of lung cancer (p = 00001) with
consistency across studies (test for heterogeneity p = 034) Results for the log of cumulative exposure were
consistent between underground mines and other facilities Categorical analyses by quintile of cumulative exposure
resulted in a monotonic trend with odds ratios of 10 10 13 15 16 Analyses using a spline curve also showed a
monotonic increase in risk with increasing exposure The estimated excess lifetime risk (through age 75) of lung
cancer for a worker exposed from age 20 to 65 at 01 mgm3 respirable crystalline silica (the permissible level in
many countries) was 11-17 above background risks of 3-6
CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the decision by the IARC to classify inhaled silica in occupational settings as a carcinogen and
suggest that the current exposure limits in many countries may be inadequate These data represent the first
quantitative exposure-response analysis and risk assessment for silica using data from multiple studies
Comment in
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)785-7
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)779-80 author reply 781-2
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)783-4 author reply 785
PMID
11714104
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
Review
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalstandards
Carcinogens Environmentaladverse effects
Cohort Studies
Diatomaceous Earthadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Goldadverse effects
Humans
Linear Models
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Maximum Allowable Concentration
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Risk Assessment
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidestandards
Silicosiscomplications
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Carcinogens Environmental
granite
Diatomaceous Earth
Gold
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2001 Jul58(7)467-71
Radiological progression and its predictive risk factors in silicosis
Lee HS Phoon WH Ng TP
Source
Department of Occupational Health Ministry of Manpower 18 Havelock Road 05-01 Singapore 059764
lee_hock_siangmomgovsg
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the risk factors predicting radiological progression in silicosis in a prospective cohort study of patients
with silicosis who were previously exposed to silica from granite dust
METHODS
From among a total of 260 patients with silicosis contracted from granite work 141 with available serial chest x ray
films of acceptable quality taken over a period of 2 to 17 (mean 75) years were selected for study Ninety four
(667) had ended exposure 5 or more years previously (mean 101 years maximum 28 years) Radiological
progression was assessed by paired comparison of the initial and most recent radiographs with two or more steps of
increase in profusion of small opacities according to the 12 point scale of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis taken from the majority reading by a panel of three independent
readers
RESULTS
Overall 37 of patients with silicosis had radiological evidence of progression From the initial radiographs 24
(316) of those with radiological profusion category 1 15 (375) of those with radiological profusion category 2
and 13 (52) of those with complicated silicosis (including all seven with category 3 profusion of small opacities)
showed radiological progression As expected progression was more likely to be found after longer periods of follow
up (the interval between the two chest x ray films) with a 20 increased odds of progression for every additional year
of follow up After adjustment for varying intervals of follow up the probability of radiological progression was found to
be significant if large opacities were present in the initial chest x ray film Progression was also less likely to be found
among those who had ended exposure to silica longer ago although the result was of borderline significance
(p=007) Tuberculosis was also associated with increased likelihood of progression (borderline significance)
CONCLUSIONS
There is a high probability of radiological progression in silicosis after high levels of exposure to granite dust among
workers who were followed up for up to 17 years A significant risk factor is the extent of radiological opacities in the
initial chest x ray film The probability of progression is also likely to be reduced with longer periods after the end of
exposure
PMID
11404452
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1740153
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Disease Progression
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Exposurestatistics amp numerical data
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Silicosispathology
Silicosisradiography
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
J Occup Environ Med 2001 Apr43(4)412-7
Radiographic abnormalities in long-tenure Vermont granite workers and the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica
Graham WG Vacek PM Morgan WK Muir DC Sisco-Cheng B
Source
Pulmonary Division Department of Medicine University of Vermont College of Medicine 420 Lake Road Charlotte
VT 05445 USA
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities consistent with silicosis in a
group of 600 retired granite workers who were receiving pensions Files of regional clinics and hospitals were
searched for chest radiographs taken on these men and 470 x-ray films suitable for interpretation were located After
exclusions (women and men who had worked in the granite industry elsewhere) 408 x-ray films were independently
read by three experienced readers using the 1980 International Labour Office scheme Dust exposures were
estimated for workers hired after 1940 when the dust-control standard of 10 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf)
(equivalent to 01 mgm3) was put in place and monitored by the Vermont Division of Industrial Hygiene Dust levels
were initially high but were gradually reduced from 1940 to 1954 after which average quartz exposures stabilized to a
mean of approximately 005 to 006 mgm3 however about 10 to 15 of samples after 1954 exceeded 01 mgm3
Of the 408 x-ray films 58 were taken on workers hired before dust controls were instituted in 1940 and 259
showed abnormalities (a profusion score of 10 or greater) A total of 350 x-ray films were taken on workers hired in
1940 or after and the prevalence in this group was 57 The radiographic changes in workers hired after 1940 are
likely due to excessive exposures during the first 15 years of dust control We conclude that if the exposure standard
of 01 mgm3 is rigorously observed in the workplace radiographic abnormalities caused by quartz dust in long-term
workers will be rare
Comment in
J Occup Environ Med 2002 Apr44(4)308 author reply 308-9
PMID
11322102
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Threshold Limit Values
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Sep14(9)577-82
Silica exposure during granite countertop fabrication
Simcox NJ Lofgren D Leons J Camp J
Source
University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group Seattle 98195-4695 USA
PMID
10510518
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Research Support Non-US Govt
J Occup Environ Med 2008 Jul50(7)827-33
High prevalence and advanced silicosis in active granite workers a dose-response analysis including FEV1
Rego G Pichel A Quero A Dubois A Martiacutenez C Isidro I Gil M Cuervo V Gonzaacutelez A
Source
National Institute of Silicosis Oviedo Spain Gumersinoregosespaprincastes
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate silica exposure and respiratory disease in granite workers
METHODS
A cross-sectional study of 440 active granite workers
RESULTS
Seventy-seven (175) have silicosis complicated in 15 of them 18 have an obstructive ventilatory defect and 73
had exceeded 35 mgm-year of cumulative silica exposure Percent predicted FEV1 have a significant negative
relation with mgm(3)-year (P lt 0001) with a trend toward dose-response excluding silicotics and controlling for
tobacco The odds ratio (95 confidence interval) of having a percent predicted FEV1 below 50th percentile is 118
(066 to 211) for nonexposed smokers 147 (076 to 284) for exposed nonsmokers and 207 (112 to 385) for
exposed smokers in comparison with the control group
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that silica induces functional alteration regardless of silicosis and in all likelihood
synergistically with tobacco Exposure levels must be controlled better in these workers and those with silicosis must
be relocated to risk-free jobs or retired
PMID
18617839
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Environmental Pollutantstoxicity
Forced Expiratory Volumedrug effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Odds Ratio
Respiratory Tract Infectionschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisclassification
Silicosisepidemiology
Spain
Young Adult
Substances
Environmental Pollutants
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Environ Health 2007 Oct-Dec22(4)255-72
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and occupational exposure to silica
Rushton L
Source
Imperial College London Department of Epidemiology and Public Health Faculty of Medicine St Marys Campus
Norfolk Place London W2 1PG UK lrushtonimperialacuk
Abstract
Prolonged exposure to high levels of silica has long been known to cause silicosis This paper evaluates the
evidence for an increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in occupations and industries in
which exposure to crystalline silica is the primary exposure with a focus on the magnitude of risks and levels of
exposure causing disabling health effects The literature suggests consistently elevated risks of developing COPD
associated with silica exposure in several occupations including the construction industry tunneling cement
industry brick manufacturing pottery and ceramic work silica sand granite and diatomaceous earth industries gold
mining and iron and steel founding with risk estimates being high in some even after taking into account the effect
of confounders like smoking Average dust levels vary from about 05 mgm3 to over 10 mgm3 and average silica
levels from 004 to over 5 mgm3 often well above occupational standards Factors influencing the variation from
industry to industry in risks associated with exposure to silica-containing dusts include (a) the presence of other
minerals in the dust particularly when associated with clay minerals (b) the size of the particles and percentage of
quartz (c) the physicochemical characteristics such as whether the dust is freshly fractured Longitudinal studies
suggest that loss of lung function occurs with exposure to silica dust at concentrations of between 01 and 02 mgm3
and that the effect of cumulative silica dust exposure on airflow obstruction is independent of silicosis Nevertheless
a disabling loss of lung function in the absence of silicosis would not occur until between 30 and 40 years exposure
PMID
18351226
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Review
MeSH Terms
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Dust
Humans
Inhalation Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Particle Size
Pulmonary Disease Chronic Obstructiveetiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Spirometry
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2007 Oct64(10)681-7 Epub 2007 Apr 20
Reducing healthy worker survivor bias by restricting date of hire in a cohort study of Vermont granite workers
Applebaum KM Malloy EJ Eisen EA
Source
Harvard School of Public Health Department of Environmental Health Boston Massachusetts 02115 USA
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To explore the healthy worker survivor effect (HWSE) in a study of Vermont granite workers by distinguishing
prevalent from incident hires based on date of hire before or after the start of follow-up
METHODS
Records of workers between 1950 and 1982 were obtained from a medical surveillance programme Proportional
hazards models were used to model the association between silica exposure and lung cancer mortality with
penalised splines used to smooth the exposure-response relationship A sensitivity analysis compared results
between the original cohort and subcohorts defined by restricting date of hire to include varying proportions of
prevalent hires
RESULTS
Restricting to incident hires reduced the 213 cases by 74 and decreased the exposure range The maximum
mortality rate ratio (MRR) was close to twofold in all subcohorts However the exposure at which the maximum MRR
was achieved decreased from 40 to 06 mg-yearm3 as the proportion of prevalent hires decreased from 50 in the
original cohort to 0 in the subcohort of incident hires
CONCLUSION
Despite loss in power and restricted exposure range decreasing the relative proportion of prevalent to incident hires
reduced HWSE bias resulting in stronger evidence for a dose-response between silica exposure and lung cancer
mortality
PMID
17449560
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2078404
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support NIH Extramural
MeSH Terms
Aged
Bias (Epidemiology)
Cohort Studies
Employmentstatistics amp numerical data
Follow-Up Studies
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Incidence
Industrystatistics amp numerical data
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Prevalence
Proportional Hazards Models
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Survival Analysis
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
CA81345CANCI NIH HHSUnited States
T32 ES07155ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
J Public Health Policy 2005 Jul26(2)192-202 discussion 203-5
Change in the world of occupational health silica control then and now
Rosenberg B Levenstein C Spangler E
Source
Department of Public Health and Family Medicine Tufts University School of Medicine Boston MA 02111 USA
Abstract
To control silicosis we need to understand how change happens in occupational health Science alone does not
drive policy because we have known the causes of silicosis and how to prevent it for decades yet the disease
persists To control occupational disease we need to enter the social realm of work To investigate the determinants
of a successful silicosis control program we wrote a social history of the Vermont Granite Industry from 1938 to
1960 examining union journals newspapers industry journals scientific literature and government documents and
interviewing key informants The crucial factor of the successful program was a strong public health movement to
control tuberculosis rather than pressure to control the occupational disease Using this lesson to protect workers
from silica exposure now we chose to regulate silica under an environmental law the Massachusetts Toxics Use
Reduction Act Science is but one small factor necessary but insufficient in policy change We in occupational health
need to hitch onto a stronger movement currently the environmental movement Where unions are too weak to
demand safe technologies we need to learn to speak the language of employers because they may have little idea
of the costs of interventions We need to gather more economic information about the costs of interventions
PMID
16022212
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support NIH Extramural
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Dustprevention amp control
Humans
Industry
Massachusettsepidemiology
Occupational Exposureprevention amp control
Occupational Health
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Grant Support
U60CCU112232-01CCCDC HHSUnited States
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
Re Attfield M Costello J Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers Am J Ind Med 45129-138 2004
Graham WG
Comment on
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
PMID
15202130
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comment
Letter
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
J Occup Environ Med 2004 May46(5)459-66
Vermont granite mortality study an update with an emphasis on lung cancer
Graham WG Costello J Vacek PM
Source
Pulmonary Unit University of Vermont College of Medicine Burlington Vermont USA wgrahamuvmedu
Erratum in
J Occup Environ Med 2004 Aug46(8)876
Abstract
This mortality study extends the period of observation of an article published in 1988 of 5414 workers in Vermont
granite sheds and quarries to assess whether previously reported reductions in silicosis and tuberculosis mortality
were maintained The relationship between lung cancer and quartz exposure is also examined by comparing mortality
in workers hired before and after 1940 when dust controls were introduced and exposures were reduced by 80 to
90 Before 1940 general stone shed air contained 20 million particlescubic foot (mppcf) (approximately equivalent
to 02 mgm of quartz) and pneumatic chisel workers were exposed on average to 60 mppcf (approximately
equivalent to 06 mgm of quartz) Other workers had variable exposures After 1940 a period of decline occurred in
dust levels and then stabilized in approximately 1955 when average dust levels were 5 to 6 mppcf (equivalent to
005-06 mgm of quartz) Dust exposures in the Vermont industry is considered to be free of confounding
occupational substances such as arsenic although cigarette smoking was common By the end of 1996 2539
workers or 469 of the cohort had died There were no silicosis deaths in workers hired after 1940 who were
exposed only in the Vermont granite industry illustrating the effect of lowering quartz exposures Tuberculosis
caused 2 deaths in those hired after 1940 (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 052 not significant) Overall lung
cancer mortality was elevated in shed workers who had been exposed both to high levels of quartz before 1940 and
to the lower levels prevailing after 1940 (SMR = 132 P lt 001) Quarry workers did not show an excess of lung
cancer (SMR = 073 not significant) When shed workers with high and low exposure histories (before and after
1940) but with comparable latency and tenure were contrasted lung cancer mortality was similar Differing levels of
quartz exposure which resulted in large differences in the mortality experience from silicosis did not result in
differences in lung cancer mortality The results do not support the hypothesis that granite dust exposure has a
causal association with lung cancer
PMID
15167394
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cause of Death
Cohort Studies
Environmental Exposure
Extraction and Processing Industry
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers
Attfield MD Costello J
Source
Division of Respiratory Disease Studies NIOSH Morgantown West Virginia 26505 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Excess lung cancer mortality among the exposed Vermont granite workers has been reported These studies were
based on job and tenure surrogates with the potential for misclassification and inability to evaluate quantitative
exposure-response
METHODS
Industrial hygiene data collected from 1924 to 1977 was analyzed in conjunction with mortality data to examine
quantitative exposure-response for silica lung cancer and other lung diseases A person-years analysis was
undertaken by cumulative exposure group including lagged and unlagged tabulations Poisson models were fitted to
untransformed and log transformed exposure
RESULTS
The results indicated a clear relationship of lung cancer tuberculosis pneumoconiosis non-malignant lung disease
and kidney cancer with cumulative exposure An exposure to 005 mgm(3) from age 20 to 64 was associated with a
lifetime excess risk of lung cancer for white males of 271000
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study of workers exposed almost exclusively to silica and no other major occupational confounding
exposures indicate a clear exposure-response for lung cancer
Comment in
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
PMID
14748044
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Confounding Factors (Epidemiology)
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Life Tables
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Poisson Distribution
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 2002 Jun17(6)424-9
An evaluation of compliance with occupational exposure limits for crystalline silica (quartz) in ten Georgia granite sheds
Wickman AR Middendorf PJ
Source
Electro-Optics Environmental and Materials Laboratory Georgia Tech Research Institute Atlanta USA
Abstract
Since the 1920s industrial hygiene studies have documented granite shed workers exposures to crystalline silica
and the data from these studies have contributed to a better understanding of the relationship between silica
exposures and adverse health effects such as silicosis The majority of these studies were conducted in the Barre
Vermont granite sheds However a second major granite processing region is located in Elberton Georgia where
approximately 1800 workers are employed in 150 granite sheds and 45 quarries The current study reports the
exposures of 40 workers in 10 granite sheds in Elberton Georgia The arithmetic mean exposure to silica for all
monitored employees was 0052 mgm3 Employees were classified into one of seven job task groups The job task
group with the greatest exposure was the top polish group which had a mean exposure of 0085 mgm3 Among the
top polish workers the greatest percentage of exposures above the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations
permissible exposure limit (OSHA PEL) occurred among the workers who used dry grinders Wet methods were
effective in reducing these exposures to below the OSHA PEL The mean exposure of Elberton granite shed workers
was less than the OSHA PEL but was not below the threshold limit value of the American Conference of Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH TLV) which was lowered in the year 2000 to 005 mgm3 The Elberton granite shed workers
provide a valuable cohort for research on the effects of exposure to crystalline silica at levels between the ACGIH
TLV and the OSHA PEL They are a relatively permanent worker population are concentrated geographically and
have a quantitatively documented exposure to crystalline silica over the past twenty years
PMID
12049432
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
MeSH Terms
Environmental Monitoring
Georgia
Guideline Adherence
Humans
Job Description
Occupational Exposure
Public Policy
Reference Values
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
United States
United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)773-84
Pooled exposure-response analyses and risk assessment for lung cancer in 10 cohorts of silica-exposed workers an IARC multicentre study
Steenland K Mannetje A Boffetta P Stayner L Attfield M Chen J Dosemeci M DeKlerk N Hnizdo E Koskela R
Checkoway H International Agency for Research on Cancer
Source
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati USA nsteenlandcdcgov
Erratum in
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)777
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Silica is one of the most common occupational exposures worldwide In 1997 the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) classified inhaled crystalline silica as a human carcinogen (group 1) but acknowledged limitations
in the epidemiologic data including inconsistencies across studies and the lack of extensive exposure-response data
We have conducted a pooled exposure-response analysis of 10 silica-exposed cohorts to investigate lung cancer
METHODS
The pooled cohort included 65980 workers (44160 miners 21820 nominees) and 1072 lung cancer deaths (663
miners 409 nonminers) Follow-up has been extended for five of these cohorts beyond published data Quantitative
exposure estimates by job and calendar time were adopted modified or developed to permit common analyses by
respirable silica (mgm3) across cohorts
RESULTS
The log of cumulative exposure with a 15-year lag was a strong predictor of lung cancer (p = 00001) with
consistency across studies (test for heterogeneity p = 034) Results for the log of cumulative exposure were
consistent between underground mines and other facilities Categorical analyses by quintile of cumulative exposure
resulted in a monotonic trend with odds ratios of 10 10 13 15 16 Analyses using a spline curve also showed a
monotonic increase in risk with increasing exposure The estimated excess lifetime risk (through age 75) of lung
cancer for a worker exposed from age 20 to 65 at 01 mgm3 respirable crystalline silica (the permissible level in
many countries) was 11-17 above background risks of 3-6
CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the decision by the IARC to classify inhaled silica in occupational settings as a carcinogen and
suggest that the current exposure limits in many countries may be inadequate These data represent the first
quantitative exposure-response analysis and risk assessment for silica using data from multiple studies
Comment in
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)785-7
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)779-80 author reply 781-2
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)783-4 author reply 785
PMID
11714104
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
Review
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalstandards
Carcinogens Environmentaladverse effects
Cohort Studies
Diatomaceous Earthadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Goldadverse effects
Humans
Linear Models
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Maximum Allowable Concentration
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Risk Assessment
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidestandards
Silicosiscomplications
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Carcinogens Environmental
granite
Diatomaceous Earth
Gold
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2001 Jul58(7)467-71
Radiological progression and its predictive risk factors in silicosis
Lee HS Phoon WH Ng TP
Source
Department of Occupational Health Ministry of Manpower 18 Havelock Road 05-01 Singapore 059764
lee_hock_siangmomgovsg
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the risk factors predicting radiological progression in silicosis in a prospective cohort study of patients
with silicosis who were previously exposed to silica from granite dust
METHODS
From among a total of 260 patients with silicosis contracted from granite work 141 with available serial chest x ray
films of acceptable quality taken over a period of 2 to 17 (mean 75) years were selected for study Ninety four
(667) had ended exposure 5 or more years previously (mean 101 years maximum 28 years) Radiological
progression was assessed by paired comparison of the initial and most recent radiographs with two or more steps of
increase in profusion of small opacities according to the 12 point scale of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis taken from the majority reading by a panel of three independent
readers
RESULTS
Overall 37 of patients with silicosis had radiological evidence of progression From the initial radiographs 24
(316) of those with radiological profusion category 1 15 (375) of those with radiological profusion category 2
and 13 (52) of those with complicated silicosis (including all seven with category 3 profusion of small opacities)
showed radiological progression As expected progression was more likely to be found after longer periods of follow
up (the interval between the two chest x ray films) with a 20 increased odds of progression for every additional year
of follow up After adjustment for varying intervals of follow up the probability of radiological progression was found to
be significant if large opacities were present in the initial chest x ray film Progression was also less likely to be found
among those who had ended exposure to silica longer ago although the result was of borderline significance
(p=007) Tuberculosis was also associated with increased likelihood of progression (borderline significance)
CONCLUSIONS
There is a high probability of radiological progression in silicosis after high levels of exposure to granite dust among
workers who were followed up for up to 17 years A significant risk factor is the extent of radiological opacities in the
initial chest x ray film The probability of progression is also likely to be reduced with longer periods after the end of
exposure
PMID
11404452
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1740153
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Disease Progression
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Exposurestatistics amp numerical data
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Silicosispathology
Silicosisradiography
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
J Occup Environ Med 2001 Apr43(4)412-7
Radiographic abnormalities in long-tenure Vermont granite workers and the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica
Graham WG Vacek PM Morgan WK Muir DC Sisco-Cheng B
Source
Pulmonary Division Department of Medicine University of Vermont College of Medicine 420 Lake Road Charlotte
VT 05445 USA
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities consistent with silicosis in a
group of 600 retired granite workers who were receiving pensions Files of regional clinics and hospitals were
searched for chest radiographs taken on these men and 470 x-ray films suitable for interpretation were located After
exclusions (women and men who had worked in the granite industry elsewhere) 408 x-ray films were independently
read by three experienced readers using the 1980 International Labour Office scheme Dust exposures were
estimated for workers hired after 1940 when the dust-control standard of 10 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf)
(equivalent to 01 mgm3) was put in place and monitored by the Vermont Division of Industrial Hygiene Dust levels
were initially high but were gradually reduced from 1940 to 1954 after which average quartz exposures stabilized to a
mean of approximately 005 to 006 mgm3 however about 10 to 15 of samples after 1954 exceeded 01 mgm3
Of the 408 x-ray films 58 were taken on workers hired before dust controls were instituted in 1940 and 259
showed abnormalities (a profusion score of 10 or greater) A total of 350 x-ray films were taken on workers hired in
1940 or after and the prevalence in this group was 57 The radiographic changes in workers hired after 1940 are
likely due to excessive exposures during the first 15 years of dust control We conclude that if the exposure standard
of 01 mgm3 is rigorously observed in the workplace radiographic abnormalities caused by quartz dust in long-term
workers will be rare
Comment in
J Occup Environ Med 2002 Apr44(4)308 author reply 308-9
PMID
11322102
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Threshold Limit Values
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Sep14(9)577-82
Silica exposure during granite countertop fabrication
Simcox NJ Lofgren D Leons J Camp J
Source
University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group Seattle 98195-4695 USA
PMID
10510518
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
This study suggests that silica induces functional alteration regardless of silicosis and in all likelihood
synergistically with tobacco Exposure levels must be controlled better in these workers and those with silicosis must
be relocated to risk-free jobs or retired
PMID
18617839
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Environmental Pollutantstoxicity
Forced Expiratory Volumedrug effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Odds Ratio
Respiratory Tract Infectionschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisclassification
Silicosisepidemiology
Spain
Young Adult
Substances
Environmental Pollutants
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Environ Health 2007 Oct-Dec22(4)255-72
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and occupational exposure to silica
Rushton L
Source
Imperial College London Department of Epidemiology and Public Health Faculty of Medicine St Marys Campus
Norfolk Place London W2 1PG UK lrushtonimperialacuk
Abstract
Prolonged exposure to high levels of silica has long been known to cause silicosis This paper evaluates the
evidence for an increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in occupations and industries in
which exposure to crystalline silica is the primary exposure with a focus on the magnitude of risks and levels of
exposure causing disabling health effects The literature suggests consistently elevated risks of developing COPD
associated with silica exposure in several occupations including the construction industry tunneling cement
industry brick manufacturing pottery and ceramic work silica sand granite and diatomaceous earth industries gold
mining and iron and steel founding with risk estimates being high in some even after taking into account the effect
of confounders like smoking Average dust levels vary from about 05 mgm3 to over 10 mgm3 and average silica
levels from 004 to over 5 mgm3 often well above occupational standards Factors influencing the variation from
industry to industry in risks associated with exposure to silica-containing dusts include (a) the presence of other
minerals in the dust particularly when associated with clay minerals (b) the size of the particles and percentage of
quartz (c) the physicochemical characteristics such as whether the dust is freshly fractured Longitudinal studies
suggest that loss of lung function occurs with exposure to silica dust at concentrations of between 01 and 02 mgm3
and that the effect of cumulative silica dust exposure on airflow obstruction is independent of silicosis Nevertheless
a disabling loss of lung function in the absence of silicosis would not occur until between 30 and 40 years exposure
PMID
18351226
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Review
MeSH Terms
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Dust
Humans
Inhalation Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Particle Size
Pulmonary Disease Chronic Obstructiveetiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Spirometry
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2007 Oct64(10)681-7 Epub 2007 Apr 20
Reducing healthy worker survivor bias by restricting date of hire in a cohort study of Vermont granite workers
Applebaum KM Malloy EJ Eisen EA
Source
Harvard School of Public Health Department of Environmental Health Boston Massachusetts 02115 USA
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To explore the healthy worker survivor effect (HWSE) in a study of Vermont granite workers by distinguishing
prevalent from incident hires based on date of hire before or after the start of follow-up
METHODS
Records of workers between 1950 and 1982 were obtained from a medical surveillance programme Proportional
hazards models were used to model the association between silica exposure and lung cancer mortality with
penalised splines used to smooth the exposure-response relationship A sensitivity analysis compared results
between the original cohort and subcohorts defined by restricting date of hire to include varying proportions of
prevalent hires
RESULTS
Restricting to incident hires reduced the 213 cases by 74 and decreased the exposure range The maximum
mortality rate ratio (MRR) was close to twofold in all subcohorts However the exposure at which the maximum MRR
was achieved decreased from 40 to 06 mg-yearm3 as the proportion of prevalent hires decreased from 50 in the
original cohort to 0 in the subcohort of incident hires
CONCLUSION
Despite loss in power and restricted exposure range decreasing the relative proportion of prevalent to incident hires
reduced HWSE bias resulting in stronger evidence for a dose-response between silica exposure and lung cancer
mortality
PMID
17449560
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2078404
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support NIH Extramural
MeSH Terms
Aged
Bias (Epidemiology)
Cohort Studies
Employmentstatistics amp numerical data
Follow-Up Studies
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Incidence
Industrystatistics amp numerical data
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Prevalence
Proportional Hazards Models
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Survival Analysis
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
CA81345CANCI NIH HHSUnited States
T32 ES07155ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
J Public Health Policy 2005 Jul26(2)192-202 discussion 203-5
Change in the world of occupational health silica control then and now
Rosenberg B Levenstein C Spangler E
Source
Department of Public Health and Family Medicine Tufts University School of Medicine Boston MA 02111 USA
Abstract
To control silicosis we need to understand how change happens in occupational health Science alone does not
drive policy because we have known the causes of silicosis and how to prevent it for decades yet the disease
persists To control occupational disease we need to enter the social realm of work To investigate the determinants
of a successful silicosis control program we wrote a social history of the Vermont Granite Industry from 1938 to
1960 examining union journals newspapers industry journals scientific literature and government documents and
interviewing key informants The crucial factor of the successful program was a strong public health movement to
control tuberculosis rather than pressure to control the occupational disease Using this lesson to protect workers
from silica exposure now we chose to regulate silica under an environmental law the Massachusetts Toxics Use
Reduction Act Science is but one small factor necessary but insufficient in policy change We in occupational health
need to hitch onto a stronger movement currently the environmental movement Where unions are too weak to
demand safe technologies we need to learn to speak the language of employers because they may have little idea
of the costs of interventions We need to gather more economic information about the costs of interventions
PMID
16022212
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support NIH Extramural
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Dustprevention amp control
Humans
Industry
Massachusettsepidemiology
Occupational Exposureprevention amp control
Occupational Health
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Grant Support
U60CCU112232-01CCCDC HHSUnited States
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
Re Attfield M Costello J Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers Am J Ind Med 45129-138 2004
Graham WG
Comment on
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
PMID
15202130
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comment
Letter
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
J Occup Environ Med 2004 May46(5)459-66
Vermont granite mortality study an update with an emphasis on lung cancer
Graham WG Costello J Vacek PM
Source
Pulmonary Unit University of Vermont College of Medicine Burlington Vermont USA wgrahamuvmedu
Erratum in
J Occup Environ Med 2004 Aug46(8)876
Abstract
This mortality study extends the period of observation of an article published in 1988 of 5414 workers in Vermont
granite sheds and quarries to assess whether previously reported reductions in silicosis and tuberculosis mortality
were maintained The relationship between lung cancer and quartz exposure is also examined by comparing mortality
in workers hired before and after 1940 when dust controls were introduced and exposures were reduced by 80 to
90 Before 1940 general stone shed air contained 20 million particlescubic foot (mppcf) (approximately equivalent
to 02 mgm of quartz) and pneumatic chisel workers were exposed on average to 60 mppcf (approximately
equivalent to 06 mgm of quartz) Other workers had variable exposures After 1940 a period of decline occurred in
dust levels and then stabilized in approximately 1955 when average dust levels were 5 to 6 mppcf (equivalent to
005-06 mgm of quartz) Dust exposures in the Vermont industry is considered to be free of confounding
occupational substances such as arsenic although cigarette smoking was common By the end of 1996 2539
workers or 469 of the cohort had died There were no silicosis deaths in workers hired after 1940 who were
exposed only in the Vermont granite industry illustrating the effect of lowering quartz exposures Tuberculosis
caused 2 deaths in those hired after 1940 (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 052 not significant) Overall lung
cancer mortality was elevated in shed workers who had been exposed both to high levels of quartz before 1940 and
to the lower levels prevailing after 1940 (SMR = 132 P lt 001) Quarry workers did not show an excess of lung
cancer (SMR = 073 not significant) When shed workers with high and low exposure histories (before and after
1940) but with comparable latency and tenure were contrasted lung cancer mortality was similar Differing levels of
quartz exposure which resulted in large differences in the mortality experience from silicosis did not result in
differences in lung cancer mortality The results do not support the hypothesis that granite dust exposure has a
causal association with lung cancer
PMID
15167394
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cause of Death
Cohort Studies
Environmental Exposure
Extraction and Processing Industry
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers
Attfield MD Costello J
Source
Division of Respiratory Disease Studies NIOSH Morgantown West Virginia 26505 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Excess lung cancer mortality among the exposed Vermont granite workers has been reported These studies were
based on job and tenure surrogates with the potential for misclassification and inability to evaluate quantitative
exposure-response
METHODS
Industrial hygiene data collected from 1924 to 1977 was analyzed in conjunction with mortality data to examine
quantitative exposure-response for silica lung cancer and other lung diseases A person-years analysis was
undertaken by cumulative exposure group including lagged and unlagged tabulations Poisson models were fitted to
untransformed and log transformed exposure
RESULTS
The results indicated a clear relationship of lung cancer tuberculosis pneumoconiosis non-malignant lung disease
and kidney cancer with cumulative exposure An exposure to 005 mgm(3) from age 20 to 64 was associated with a
lifetime excess risk of lung cancer for white males of 271000
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study of workers exposed almost exclusively to silica and no other major occupational confounding
exposures indicate a clear exposure-response for lung cancer
Comment in
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
PMID
14748044
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Confounding Factors (Epidemiology)
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Life Tables
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Poisson Distribution
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 2002 Jun17(6)424-9
An evaluation of compliance with occupational exposure limits for crystalline silica (quartz) in ten Georgia granite sheds
Wickman AR Middendorf PJ
Source
Electro-Optics Environmental and Materials Laboratory Georgia Tech Research Institute Atlanta USA
Abstract
Since the 1920s industrial hygiene studies have documented granite shed workers exposures to crystalline silica
and the data from these studies have contributed to a better understanding of the relationship between silica
exposures and adverse health effects such as silicosis The majority of these studies were conducted in the Barre
Vermont granite sheds However a second major granite processing region is located in Elberton Georgia where
approximately 1800 workers are employed in 150 granite sheds and 45 quarries The current study reports the
exposures of 40 workers in 10 granite sheds in Elberton Georgia The arithmetic mean exposure to silica for all
monitored employees was 0052 mgm3 Employees were classified into one of seven job task groups The job task
group with the greatest exposure was the top polish group which had a mean exposure of 0085 mgm3 Among the
top polish workers the greatest percentage of exposures above the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations
permissible exposure limit (OSHA PEL) occurred among the workers who used dry grinders Wet methods were
effective in reducing these exposures to below the OSHA PEL The mean exposure of Elberton granite shed workers
was less than the OSHA PEL but was not below the threshold limit value of the American Conference of Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH TLV) which was lowered in the year 2000 to 005 mgm3 The Elberton granite shed workers
provide a valuable cohort for research on the effects of exposure to crystalline silica at levels between the ACGIH
TLV and the OSHA PEL They are a relatively permanent worker population are concentrated geographically and
have a quantitatively documented exposure to crystalline silica over the past twenty years
PMID
12049432
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
MeSH Terms
Environmental Monitoring
Georgia
Guideline Adherence
Humans
Job Description
Occupational Exposure
Public Policy
Reference Values
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
United States
United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)773-84
Pooled exposure-response analyses and risk assessment for lung cancer in 10 cohorts of silica-exposed workers an IARC multicentre study
Steenland K Mannetje A Boffetta P Stayner L Attfield M Chen J Dosemeci M DeKlerk N Hnizdo E Koskela R
Checkoway H International Agency for Research on Cancer
Source
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati USA nsteenlandcdcgov
Erratum in
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)777
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Silica is one of the most common occupational exposures worldwide In 1997 the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) classified inhaled crystalline silica as a human carcinogen (group 1) but acknowledged limitations
in the epidemiologic data including inconsistencies across studies and the lack of extensive exposure-response data
We have conducted a pooled exposure-response analysis of 10 silica-exposed cohorts to investigate lung cancer
METHODS
The pooled cohort included 65980 workers (44160 miners 21820 nominees) and 1072 lung cancer deaths (663
miners 409 nonminers) Follow-up has been extended for five of these cohorts beyond published data Quantitative
exposure estimates by job and calendar time were adopted modified or developed to permit common analyses by
respirable silica (mgm3) across cohorts
RESULTS
The log of cumulative exposure with a 15-year lag was a strong predictor of lung cancer (p = 00001) with
consistency across studies (test for heterogeneity p = 034) Results for the log of cumulative exposure were
consistent between underground mines and other facilities Categorical analyses by quintile of cumulative exposure
resulted in a monotonic trend with odds ratios of 10 10 13 15 16 Analyses using a spline curve also showed a
monotonic increase in risk with increasing exposure The estimated excess lifetime risk (through age 75) of lung
cancer for a worker exposed from age 20 to 65 at 01 mgm3 respirable crystalline silica (the permissible level in
many countries) was 11-17 above background risks of 3-6
CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the decision by the IARC to classify inhaled silica in occupational settings as a carcinogen and
suggest that the current exposure limits in many countries may be inadequate These data represent the first
quantitative exposure-response analysis and risk assessment for silica using data from multiple studies
Comment in
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)785-7
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)779-80 author reply 781-2
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)783-4 author reply 785
PMID
11714104
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
Review
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalstandards
Carcinogens Environmentaladverse effects
Cohort Studies
Diatomaceous Earthadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Goldadverse effects
Humans
Linear Models
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Maximum Allowable Concentration
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Risk Assessment
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidestandards
Silicosiscomplications
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Carcinogens Environmental
granite
Diatomaceous Earth
Gold
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2001 Jul58(7)467-71
Radiological progression and its predictive risk factors in silicosis
Lee HS Phoon WH Ng TP
Source
Department of Occupational Health Ministry of Manpower 18 Havelock Road 05-01 Singapore 059764
lee_hock_siangmomgovsg
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the risk factors predicting radiological progression in silicosis in a prospective cohort study of patients
with silicosis who were previously exposed to silica from granite dust
METHODS
From among a total of 260 patients with silicosis contracted from granite work 141 with available serial chest x ray
films of acceptable quality taken over a period of 2 to 17 (mean 75) years were selected for study Ninety four
(667) had ended exposure 5 or more years previously (mean 101 years maximum 28 years) Radiological
progression was assessed by paired comparison of the initial and most recent radiographs with two or more steps of
increase in profusion of small opacities according to the 12 point scale of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis taken from the majority reading by a panel of three independent
readers
RESULTS
Overall 37 of patients with silicosis had radiological evidence of progression From the initial radiographs 24
(316) of those with radiological profusion category 1 15 (375) of those with radiological profusion category 2
and 13 (52) of those with complicated silicosis (including all seven with category 3 profusion of small opacities)
showed radiological progression As expected progression was more likely to be found after longer periods of follow
up (the interval between the two chest x ray films) with a 20 increased odds of progression for every additional year
of follow up After adjustment for varying intervals of follow up the probability of radiological progression was found to
be significant if large opacities were present in the initial chest x ray film Progression was also less likely to be found
among those who had ended exposure to silica longer ago although the result was of borderline significance
(p=007) Tuberculosis was also associated with increased likelihood of progression (borderline significance)
CONCLUSIONS
There is a high probability of radiological progression in silicosis after high levels of exposure to granite dust among
workers who were followed up for up to 17 years A significant risk factor is the extent of radiological opacities in the
initial chest x ray film The probability of progression is also likely to be reduced with longer periods after the end of
exposure
PMID
11404452
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1740153
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Disease Progression
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Exposurestatistics amp numerical data
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Silicosispathology
Silicosisradiography
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
J Occup Environ Med 2001 Apr43(4)412-7
Radiographic abnormalities in long-tenure Vermont granite workers and the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica
Graham WG Vacek PM Morgan WK Muir DC Sisco-Cheng B
Source
Pulmonary Division Department of Medicine University of Vermont College of Medicine 420 Lake Road Charlotte
VT 05445 USA
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities consistent with silicosis in a
group of 600 retired granite workers who were receiving pensions Files of regional clinics and hospitals were
searched for chest radiographs taken on these men and 470 x-ray films suitable for interpretation were located After
exclusions (women and men who had worked in the granite industry elsewhere) 408 x-ray films were independently
read by three experienced readers using the 1980 International Labour Office scheme Dust exposures were
estimated for workers hired after 1940 when the dust-control standard of 10 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf)
(equivalent to 01 mgm3) was put in place and monitored by the Vermont Division of Industrial Hygiene Dust levels
were initially high but were gradually reduced from 1940 to 1954 after which average quartz exposures stabilized to a
mean of approximately 005 to 006 mgm3 however about 10 to 15 of samples after 1954 exceeded 01 mgm3
Of the 408 x-ray films 58 were taken on workers hired before dust controls were instituted in 1940 and 259
showed abnormalities (a profusion score of 10 or greater) A total of 350 x-ray films were taken on workers hired in
1940 or after and the prevalence in this group was 57 The radiographic changes in workers hired after 1940 are
likely due to excessive exposures during the first 15 years of dust control We conclude that if the exposure standard
of 01 mgm3 is rigorously observed in the workplace radiographic abnormalities caused by quartz dust in long-term
workers will be rare
Comment in
J Occup Environ Med 2002 Apr44(4)308 author reply 308-9
PMID
11322102
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Threshold Limit Values
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Sep14(9)577-82
Silica exposure during granite countertop fabrication
Simcox NJ Lofgren D Leons J Camp J
Source
University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group Seattle 98195-4695 USA
PMID
10510518
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and occupational exposure to silica
Rushton L
Source
Imperial College London Department of Epidemiology and Public Health Faculty of Medicine St Marys Campus
Norfolk Place London W2 1PG UK lrushtonimperialacuk
Abstract
Prolonged exposure to high levels of silica has long been known to cause silicosis This paper evaluates the
evidence for an increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in occupations and industries in
which exposure to crystalline silica is the primary exposure with a focus on the magnitude of risks and levels of
exposure causing disabling health effects The literature suggests consistently elevated risks of developing COPD
associated with silica exposure in several occupations including the construction industry tunneling cement
industry brick manufacturing pottery and ceramic work silica sand granite and diatomaceous earth industries gold
mining and iron and steel founding with risk estimates being high in some even after taking into account the effect
of confounders like smoking Average dust levels vary from about 05 mgm3 to over 10 mgm3 and average silica
levels from 004 to over 5 mgm3 often well above occupational standards Factors influencing the variation from
industry to industry in risks associated with exposure to silica-containing dusts include (a) the presence of other
minerals in the dust particularly when associated with clay minerals (b) the size of the particles and percentage of
quartz (c) the physicochemical characteristics such as whether the dust is freshly fractured Longitudinal studies
suggest that loss of lung function occurs with exposure to silica dust at concentrations of between 01 and 02 mgm3
and that the effect of cumulative silica dust exposure on airflow obstruction is independent of silicosis Nevertheless
a disabling loss of lung function in the absence of silicosis would not occur until between 30 and 40 years exposure
PMID
18351226
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Review
MeSH Terms
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Dust
Humans
Inhalation Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Particle Size
Pulmonary Disease Chronic Obstructiveetiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Spirometry
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2007 Oct64(10)681-7 Epub 2007 Apr 20
Reducing healthy worker survivor bias by restricting date of hire in a cohort study of Vermont granite workers
Applebaum KM Malloy EJ Eisen EA
Source
Harvard School of Public Health Department of Environmental Health Boston Massachusetts 02115 USA
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To explore the healthy worker survivor effect (HWSE) in a study of Vermont granite workers by distinguishing
prevalent from incident hires based on date of hire before or after the start of follow-up
METHODS
Records of workers between 1950 and 1982 were obtained from a medical surveillance programme Proportional
hazards models were used to model the association between silica exposure and lung cancer mortality with
penalised splines used to smooth the exposure-response relationship A sensitivity analysis compared results
between the original cohort and subcohorts defined by restricting date of hire to include varying proportions of
prevalent hires
RESULTS
Restricting to incident hires reduced the 213 cases by 74 and decreased the exposure range The maximum
mortality rate ratio (MRR) was close to twofold in all subcohorts However the exposure at which the maximum MRR
was achieved decreased from 40 to 06 mg-yearm3 as the proportion of prevalent hires decreased from 50 in the
original cohort to 0 in the subcohort of incident hires
CONCLUSION
Despite loss in power and restricted exposure range decreasing the relative proportion of prevalent to incident hires
reduced HWSE bias resulting in stronger evidence for a dose-response between silica exposure and lung cancer
mortality
PMID
17449560
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2078404
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support NIH Extramural
MeSH Terms
Aged
Bias (Epidemiology)
Cohort Studies
Employmentstatistics amp numerical data
Follow-Up Studies
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Incidence
Industrystatistics amp numerical data
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Prevalence
Proportional Hazards Models
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Survival Analysis
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
CA81345CANCI NIH HHSUnited States
T32 ES07155ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
J Public Health Policy 2005 Jul26(2)192-202 discussion 203-5
Change in the world of occupational health silica control then and now
Rosenberg B Levenstein C Spangler E
Source
Department of Public Health and Family Medicine Tufts University School of Medicine Boston MA 02111 USA
Abstract
To control silicosis we need to understand how change happens in occupational health Science alone does not
drive policy because we have known the causes of silicosis and how to prevent it for decades yet the disease
persists To control occupational disease we need to enter the social realm of work To investigate the determinants
of a successful silicosis control program we wrote a social history of the Vermont Granite Industry from 1938 to
1960 examining union journals newspapers industry journals scientific literature and government documents and
interviewing key informants The crucial factor of the successful program was a strong public health movement to
control tuberculosis rather than pressure to control the occupational disease Using this lesson to protect workers
from silica exposure now we chose to regulate silica under an environmental law the Massachusetts Toxics Use
Reduction Act Science is but one small factor necessary but insufficient in policy change We in occupational health
need to hitch onto a stronger movement currently the environmental movement Where unions are too weak to
demand safe technologies we need to learn to speak the language of employers because they may have little idea
of the costs of interventions We need to gather more economic information about the costs of interventions
PMID
16022212
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support NIH Extramural
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Dustprevention amp control
Humans
Industry
Massachusettsepidemiology
Occupational Exposureprevention amp control
Occupational Health
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Grant Support
U60CCU112232-01CCCDC HHSUnited States
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
Re Attfield M Costello J Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers Am J Ind Med 45129-138 2004
Graham WG
Comment on
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
PMID
15202130
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comment
Letter
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
J Occup Environ Med 2004 May46(5)459-66
Vermont granite mortality study an update with an emphasis on lung cancer
Graham WG Costello J Vacek PM
Source
Pulmonary Unit University of Vermont College of Medicine Burlington Vermont USA wgrahamuvmedu
Erratum in
J Occup Environ Med 2004 Aug46(8)876
Abstract
This mortality study extends the period of observation of an article published in 1988 of 5414 workers in Vermont
granite sheds and quarries to assess whether previously reported reductions in silicosis and tuberculosis mortality
were maintained The relationship between lung cancer and quartz exposure is also examined by comparing mortality
in workers hired before and after 1940 when dust controls were introduced and exposures were reduced by 80 to
90 Before 1940 general stone shed air contained 20 million particlescubic foot (mppcf) (approximately equivalent
to 02 mgm of quartz) and pneumatic chisel workers were exposed on average to 60 mppcf (approximately
equivalent to 06 mgm of quartz) Other workers had variable exposures After 1940 a period of decline occurred in
dust levels and then stabilized in approximately 1955 when average dust levels were 5 to 6 mppcf (equivalent to
005-06 mgm of quartz) Dust exposures in the Vermont industry is considered to be free of confounding
occupational substances such as arsenic although cigarette smoking was common By the end of 1996 2539
workers or 469 of the cohort had died There were no silicosis deaths in workers hired after 1940 who were
exposed only in the Vermont granite industry illustrating the effect of lowering quartz exposures Tuberculosis
caused 2 deaths in those hired after 1940 (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 052 not significant) Overall lung
cancer mortality was elevated in shed workers who had been exposed both to high levels of quartz before 1940 and
to the lower levels prevailing after 1940 (SMR = 132 P lt 001) Quarry workers did not show an excess of lung
cancer (SMR = 073 not significant) When shed workers with high and low exposure histories (before and after
1940) but with comparable latency and tenure were contrasted lung cancer mortality was similar Differing levels of
quartz exposure which resulted in large differences in the mortality experience from silicosis did not result in
differences in lung cancer mortality The results do not support the hypothesis that granite dust exposure has a
causal association with lung cancer
PMID
15167394
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cause of Death
Cohort Studies
Environmental Exposure
Extraction and Processing Industry
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers
Attfield MD Costello J
Source
Division of Respiratory Disease Studies NIOSH Morgantown West Virginia 26505 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Excess lung cancer mortality among the exposed Vermont granite workers has been reported These studies were
based on job and tenure surrogates with the potential for misclassification and inability to evaluate quantitative
exposure-response
METHODS
Industrial hygiene data collected from 1924 to 1977 was analyzed in conjunction with mortality data to examine
quantitative exposure-response for silica lung cancer and other lung diseases A person-years analysis was
undertaken by cumulative exposure group including lagged and unlagged tabulations Poisson models were fitted to
untransformed and log transformed exposure
RESULTS
The results indicated a clear relationship of lung cancer tuberculosis pneumoconiosis non-malignant lung disease
and kidney cancer with cumulative exposure An exposure to 005 mgm(3) from age 20 to 64 was associated with a
lifetime excess risk of lung cancer for white males of 271000
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study of workers exposed almost exclusively to silica and no other major occupational confounding
exposures indicate a clear exposure-response for lung cancer
Comment in
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
PMID
14748044
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Confounding Factors (Epidemiology)
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Life Tables
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Poisson Distribution
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 2002 Jun17(6)424-9
An evaluation of compliance with occupational exposure limits for crystalline silica (quartz) in ten Georgia granite sheds
Wickman AR Middendorf PJ
Source
Electro-Optics Environmental and Materials Laboratory Georgia Tech Research Institute Atlanta USA
Abstract
Since the 1920s industrial hygiene studies have documented granite shed workers exposures to crystalline silica
and the data from these studies have contributed to a better understanding of the relationship between silica
exposures and adverse health effects such as silicosis The majority of these studies were conducted in the Barre
Vermont granite sheds However a second major granite processing region is located in Elberton Georgia where
approximately 1800 workers are employed in 150 granite sheds and 45 quarries The current study reports the
exposures of 40 workers in 10 granite sheds in Elberton Georgia The arithmetic mean exposure to silica for all
monitored employees was 0052 mgm3 Employees were classified into one of seven job task groups The job task
group with the greatest exposure was the top polish group which had a mean exposure of 0085 mgm3 Among the
top polish workers the greatest percentage of exposures above the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations
permissible exposure limit (OSHA PEL) occurred among the workers who used dry grinders Wet methods were
effective in reducing these exposures to below the OSHA PEL The mean exposure of Elberton granite shed workers
was less than the OSHA PEL but was not below the threshold limit value of the American Conference of Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH TLV) which was lowered in the year 2000 to 005 mgm3 The Elberton granite shed workers
provide a valuable cohort for research on the effects of exposure to crystalline silica at levels between the ACGIH
TLV and the OSHA PEL They are a relatively permanent worker population are concentrated geographically and
have a quantitatively documented exposure to crystalline silica over the past twenty years
PMID
12049432
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
MeSH Terms
Environmental Monitoring
Georgia
Guideline Adherence
Humans
Job Description
Occupational Exposure
Public Policy
Reference Values
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
United States
United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)773-84
Pooled exposure-response analyses and risk assessment for lung cancer in 10 cohorts of silica-exposed workers an IARC multicentre study
Steenland K Mannetje A Boffetta P Stayner L Attfield M Chen J Dosemeci M DeKlerk N Hnizdo E Koskela R
Checkoway H International Agency for Research on Cancer
Source
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati USA nsteenlandcdcgov
Erratum in
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)777
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Silica is one of the most common occupational exposures worldwide In 1997 the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) classified inhaled crystalline silica as a human carcinogen (group 1) but acknowledged limitations
in the epidemiologic data including inconsistencies across studies and the lack of extensive exposure-response data
We have conducted a pooled exposure-response analysis of 10 silica-exposed cohorts to investigate lung cancer
METHODS
The pooled cohort included 65980 workers (44160 miners 21820 nominees) and 1072 lung cancer deaths (663
miners 409 nonminers) Follow-up has been extended for five of these cohorts beyond published data Quantitative
exposure estimates by job and calendar time were adopted modified or developed to permit common analyses by
respirable silica (mgm3) across cohorts
RESULTS
The log of cumulative exposure with a 15-year lag was a strong predictor of lung cancer (p = 00001) with
consistency across studies (test for heterogeneity p = 034) Results for the log of cumulative exposure were
consistent between underground mines and other facilities Categorical analyses by quintile of cumulative exposure
resulted in a monotonic trend with odds ratios of 10 10 13 15 16 Analyses using a spline curve also showed a
monotonic increase in risk with increasing exposure The estimated excess lifetime risk (through age 75) of lung
cancer for a worker exposed from age 20 to 65 at 01 mgm3 respirable crystalline silica (the permissible level in
many countries) was 11-17 above background risks of 3-6
CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the decision by the IARC to classify inhaled silica in occupational settings as a carcinogen and
suggest that the current exposure limits in many countries may be inadequate These data represent the first
quantitative exposure-response analysis and risk assessment for silica using data from multiple studies
Comment in
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)785-7
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)779-80 author reply 781-2
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)783-4 author reply 785
PMID
11714104
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
Review
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalstandards
Carcinogens Environmentaladverse effects
Cohort Studies
Diatomaceous Earthadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Goldadverse effects
Humans
Linear Models
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Maximum Allowable Concentration
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Risk Assessment
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidestandards
Silicosiscomplications
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Carcinogens Environmental
granite
Diatomaceous Earth
Gold
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2001 Jul58(7)467-71
Radiological progression and its predictive risk factors in silicosis
Lee HS Phoon WH Ng TP
Source
Department of Occupational Health Ministry of Manpower 18 Havelock Road 05-01 Singapore 059764
lee_hock_siangmomgovsg
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the risk factors predicting radiological progression in silicosis in a prospective cohort study of patients
with silicosis who were previously exposed to silica from granite dust
METHODS
From among a total of 260 patients with silicosis contracted from granite work 141 with available serial chest x ray
films of acceptable quality taken over a period of 2 to 17 (mean 75) years were selected for study Ninety four
(667) had ended exposure 5 or more years previously (mean 101 years maximum 28 years) Radiological
progression was assessed by paired comparison of the initial and most recent radiographs with two or more steps of
increase in profusion of small opacities according to the 12 point scale of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis taken from the majority reading by a panel of three independent
readers
RESULTS
Overall 37 of patients with silicosis had radiological evidence of progression From the initial radiographs 24
(316) of those with radiological profusion category 1 15 (375) of those with radiological profusion category 2
and 13 (52) of those with complicated silicosis (including all seven with category 3 profusion of small opacities)
showed radiological progression As expected progression was more likely to be found after longer periods of follow
up (the interval between the two chest x ray films) with a 20 increased odds of progression for every additional year
of follow up After adjustment for varying intervals of follow up the probability of radiological progression was found to
be significant if large opacities were present in the initial chest x ray film Progression was also less likely to be found
among those who had ended exposure to silica longer ago although the result was of borderline significance
(p=007) Tuberculosis was also associated with increased likelihood of progression (borderline significance)
CONCLUSIONS
There is a high probability of radiological progression in silicosis after high levels of exposure to granite dust among
workers who were followed up for up to 17 years A significant risk factor is the extent of radiological opacities in the
initial chest x ray film The probability of progression is also likely to be reduced with longer periods after the end of
exposure
PMID
11404452
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1740153
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Disease Progression
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Exposurestatistics amp numerical data
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Silicosispathology
Silicosisradiography
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
J Occup Environ Med 2001 Apr43(4)412-7
Radiographic abnormalities in long-tenure Vermont granite workers and the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica
Graham WG Vacek PM Morgan WK Muir DC Sisco-Cheng B
Source
Pulmonary Division Department of Medicine University of Vermont College of Medicine 420 Lake Road Charlotte
VT 05445 USA
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities consistent with silicosis in a
group of 600 retired granite workers who were receiving pensions Files of regional clinics and hospitals were
searched for chest radiographs taken on these men and 470 x-ray films suitable for interpretation were located After
exclusions (women and men who had worked in the granite industry elsewhere) 408 x-ray films were independently
read by three experienced readers using the 1980 International Labour Office scheme Dust exposures were
estimated for workers hired after 1940 when the dust-control standard of 10 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf)
(equivalent to 01 mgm3) was put in place and monitored by the Vermont Division of Industrial Hygiene Dust levels
were initially high but were gradually reduced from 1940 to 1954 after which average quartz exposures stabilized to a
mean of approximately 005 to 006 mgm3 however about 10 to 15 of samples after 1954 exceeded 01 mgm3
Of the 408 x-ray films 58 were taken on workers hired before dust controls were instituted in 1940 and 259
showed abnormalities (a profusion score of 10 or greater) A total of 350 x-ray films were taken on workers hired in
1940 or after and the prevalence in this group was 57 The radiographic changes in workers hired after 1940 are
likely due to excessive exposures during the first 15 years of dust control We conclude that if the exposure standard
of 01 mgm3 is rigorously observed in the workplace radiographic abnormalities caused by quartz dust in long-term
workers will be rare
Comment in
J Occup Environ Med 2002 Apr44(4)308 author reply 308-9
PMID
11322102
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Threshold Limit Values
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Sep14(9)577-82
Silica exposure during granite countertop fabrication
Simcox NJ Lofgren D Leons J Camp J
Source
University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group Seattle 98195-4695 USA
PMID
10510518
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Review
MeSH Terms
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Dust
Humans
Inhalation Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Particle Size
Pulmonary Disease Chronic Obstructiveetiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Spirometry
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2007 Oct64(10)681-7 Epub 2007 Apr 20
Reducing healthy worker survivor bias by restricting date of hire in a cohort study of Vermont granite workers
Applebaum KM Malloy EJ Eisen EA
Source
Harvard School of Public Health Department of Environmental Health Boston Massachusetts 02115 USA
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To explore the healthy worker survivor effect (HWSE) in a study of Vermont granite workers by distinguishing
prevalent from incident hires based on date of hire before or after the start of follow-up
METHODS
Records of workers between 1950 and 1982 were obtained from a medical surveillance programme Proportional
hazards models were used to model the association between silica exposure and lung cancer mortality with
penalised splines used to smooth the exposure-response relationship A sensitivity analysis compared results
between the original cohort and subcohorts defined by restricting date of hire to include varying proportions of
prevalent hires
RESULTS
Restricting to incident hires reduced the 213 cases by 74 and decreased the exposure range The maximum
mortality rate ratio (MRR) was close to twofold in all subcohorts However the exposure at which the maximum MRR
was achieved decreased from 40 to 06 mg-yearm3 as the proportion of prevalent hires decreased from 50 in the
original cohort to 0 in the subcohort of incident hires
CONCLUSION
Despite loss in power and restricted exposure range decreasing the relative proportion of prevalent to incident hires
reduced HWSE bias resulting in stronger evidence for a dose-response between silica exposure and lung cancer
mortality
PMID
17449560
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2078404
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support NIH Extramural
MeSH Terms
Aged
Bias (Epidemiology)
Cohort Studies
Employmentstatistics amp numerical data
Follow-Up Studies
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Incidence
Industrystatistics amp numerical data
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Prevalence
Proportional Hazards Models
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Survival Analysis
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
CA81345CANCI NIH HHSUnited States
T32 ES07155ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
J Public Health Policy 2005 Jul26(2)192-202 discussion 203-5
Change in the world of occupational health silica control then and now
Rosenberg B Levenstein C Spangler E
Source
Department of Public Health and Family Medicine Tufts University School of Medicine Boston MA 02111 USA
Abstract
To control silicosis we need to understand how change happens in occupational health Science alone does not
drive policy because we have known the causes of silicosis and how to prevent it for decades yet the disease
persists To control occupational disease we need to enter the social realm of work To investigate the determinants
of a successful silicosis control program we wrote a social history of the Vermont Granite Industry from 1938 to
1960 examining union journals newspapers industry journals scientific literature and government documents and
interviewing key informants The crucial factor of the successful program was a strong public health movement to
control tuberculosis rather than pressure to control the occupational disease Using this lesson to protect workers
from silica exposure now we chose to regulate silica under an environmental law the Massachusetts Toxics Use
Reduction Act Science is but one small factor necessary but insufficient in policy change We in occupational health
need to hitch onto a stronger movement currently the environmental movement Where unions are too weak to
demand safe technologies we need to learn to speak the language of employers because they may have little idea
of the costs of interventions We need to gather more economic information about the costs of interventions
PMID
16022212
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support NIH Extramural
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Dustprevention amp control
Humans
Industry
Massachusettsepidemiology
Occupational Exposureprevention amp control
Occupational Health
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Grant Support
U60CCU112232-01CCCDC HHSUnited States
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
Re Attfield M Costello J Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers Am J Ind Med 45129-138 2004
Graham WG
Comment on
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
PMID
15202130
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comment
Letter
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
J Occup Environ Med 2004 May46(5)459-66
Vermont granite mortality study an update with an emphasis on lung cancer
Graham WG Costello J Vacek PM
Source
Pulmonary Unit University of Vermont College of Medicine Burlington Vermont USA wgrahamuvmedu
Erratum in
J Occup Environ Med 2004 Aug46(8)876
Abstract
This mortality study extends the period of observation of an article published in 1988 of 5414 workers in Vermont
granite sheds and quarries to assess whether previously reported reductions in silicosis and tuberculosis mortality
were maintained The relationship between lung cancer and quartz exposure is also examined by comparing mortality
in workers hired before and after 1940 when dust controls were introduced and exposures were reduced by 80 to
90 Before 1940 general stone shed air contained 20 million particlescubic foot (mppcf) (approximately equivalent
to 02 mgm of quartz) and pneumatic chisel workers were exposed on average to 60 mppcf (approximately
equivalent to 06 mgm of quartz) Other workers had variable exposures After 1940 a period of decline occurred in
dust levels and then stabilized in approximately 1955 when average dust levels were 5 to 6 mppcf (equivalent to
005-06 mgm of quartz) Dust exposures in the Vermont industry is considered to be free of confounding
occupational substances such as arsenic although cigarette smoking was common By the end of 1996 2539
workers or 469 of the cohort had died There were no silicosis deaths in workers hired after 1940 who were
exposed only in the Vermont granite industry illustrating the effect of lowering quartz exposures Tuberculosis
caused 2 deaths in those hired after 1940 (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 052 not significant) Overall lung
cancer mortality was elevated in shed workers who had been exposed both to high levels of quartz before 1940 and
to the lower levels prevailing after 1940 (SMR = 132 P lt 001) Quarry workers did not show an excess of lung
cancer (SMR = 073 not significant) When shed workers with high and low exposure histories (before and after
1940) but with comparable latency and tenure were contrasted lung cancer mortality was similar Differing levels of
quartz exposure which resulted in large differences in the mortality experience from silicosis did not result in
differences in lung cancer mortality The results do not support the hypothesis that granite dust exposure has a
causal association with lung cancer
PMID
15167394
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cause of Death
Cohort Studies
Environmental Exposure
Extraction and Processing Industry
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers
Attfield MD Costello J
Source
Division of Respiratory Disease Studies NIOSH Morgantown West Virginia 26505 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Excess lung cancer mortality among the exposed Vermont granite workers has been reported These studies were
based on job and tenure surrogates with the potential for misclassification and inability to evaluate quantitative
exposure-response
METHODS
Industrial hygiene data collected from 1924 to 1977 was analyzed in conjunction with mortality data to examine
quantitative exposure-response for silica lung cancer and other lung diseases A person-years analysis was
undertaken by cumulative exposure group including lagged and unlagged tabulations Poisson models were fitted to
untransformed and log transformed exposure
RESULTS
The results indicated a clear relationship of lung cancer tuberculosis pneumoconiosis non-malignant lung disease
and kidney cancer with cumulative exposure An exposure to 005 mgm(3) from age 20 to 64 was associated with a
lifetime excess risk of lung cancer for white males of 271000
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study of workers exposed almost exclusively to silica and no other major occupational confounding
exposures indicate a clear exposure-response for lung cancer
Comment in
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
PMID
14748044
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Confounding Factors (Epidemiology)
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Life Tables
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Poisson Distribution
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 2002 Jun17(6)424-9
An evaluation of compliance with occupational exposure limits for crystalline silica (quartz) in ten Georgia granite sheds
Wickman AR Middendorf PJ
Source
Electro-Optics Environmental and Materials Laboratory Georgia Tech Research Institute Atlanta USA
Abstract
Since the 1920s industrial hygiene studies have documented granite shed workers exposures to crystalline silica
and the data from these studies have contributed to a better understanding of the relationship between silica
exposures and adverse health effects such as silicosis The majority of these studies were conducted in the Barre
Vermont granite sheds However a second major granite processing region is located in Elberton Georgia where
approximately 1800 workers are employed in 150 granite sheds and 45 quarries The current study reports the
exposures of 40 workers in 10 granite sheds in Elberton Georgia The arithmetic mean exposure to silica for all
monitored employees was 0052 mgm3 Employees were classified into one of seven job task groups The job task
group with the greatest exposure was the top polish group which had a mean exposure of 0085 mgm3 Among the
top polish workers the greatest percentage of exposures above the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations
permissible exposure limit (OSHA PEL) occurred among the workers who used dry grinders Wet methods were
effective in reducing these exposures to below the OSHA PEL The mean exposure of Elberton granite shed workers
was less than the OSHA PEL but was not below the threshold limit value of the American Conference of Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH TLV) which was lowered in the year 2000 to 005 mgm3 The Elberton granite shed workers
provide a valuable cohort for research on the effects of exposure to crystalline silica at levels between the ACGIH
TLV and the OSHA PEL They are a relatively permanent worker population are concentrated geographically and
have a quantitatively documented exposure to crystalline silica over the past twenty years
PMID
12049432
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
MeSH Terms
Environmental Monitoring
Georgia
Guideline Adherence
Humans
Job Description
Occupational Exposure
Public Policy
Reference Values
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
United States
United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)773-84
Pooled exposure-response analyses and risk assessment for lung cancer in 10 cohorts of silica-exposed workers an IARC multicentre study
Steenland K Mannetje A Boffetta P Stayner L Attfield M Chen J Dosemeci M DeKlerk N Hnizdo E Koskela R
Checkoway H International Agency for Research on Cancer
Source
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati USA nsteenlandcdcgov
Erratum in
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)777
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Silica is one of the most common occupational exposures worldwide In 1997 the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) classified inhaled crystalline silica as a human carcinogen (group 1) but acknowledged limitations
in the epidemiologic data including inconsistencies across studies and the lack of extensive exposure-response data
We have conducted a pooled exposure-response analysis of 10 silica-exposed cohorts to investigate lung cancer
METHODS
The pooled cohort included 65980 workers (44160 miners 21820 nominees) and 1072 lung cancer deaths (663
miners 409 nonminers) Follow-up has been extended for five of these cohorts beyond published data Quantitative
exposure estimates by job and calendar time were adopted modified or developed to permit common analyses by
respirable silica (mgm3) across cohorts
RESULTS
The log of cumulative exposure with a 15-year lag was a strong predictor of lung cancer (p = 00001) with
consistency across studies (test for heterogeneity p = 034) Results for the log of cumulative exposure were
consistent between underground mines and other facilities Categorical analyses by quintile of cumulative exposure
resulted in a monotonic trend with odds ratios of 10 10 13 15 16 Analyses using a spline curve also showed a
monotonic increase in risk with increasing exposure The estimated excess lifetime risk (through age 75) of lung
cancer for a worker exposed from age 20 to 65 at 01 mgm3 respirable crystalline silica (the permissible level in
many countries) was 11-17 above background risks of 3-6
CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the decision by the IARC to classify inhaled silica in occupational settings as a carcinogen and
suggest that the current exposure limits in many countries may be inadequate These data represent the first
quantitative exposure-response analysis and risk assessment for silica using data from multiple studies
Comment in
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)785-7
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)779-80 author reply 781-2
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)783-4 author reply 785
PMID
11714104
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
Review
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalstandards
Carcinogens Environmentaladverse effects
Cohort Studies
Diatomaceous Earthadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Goldadverse effects
Humans
Linear Models
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Maximum Allowable Concentration
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Risk Assessment
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidestandards
Silicosiscomplications
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Carcinogens Environmental
granite
Diatomaceous Earth
Gold
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2001 Jul58(7)467-71
Radiological progression and its predictive risk factors in silicosis
Lee HS Phoon WH Ng TP
Source
Department of Occupational Health Ministry of Manpower 18 Havelock Road 05-01 Singapore 059764
lee_hock_siangmomgovsg
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the risk factors predicting radiological progression in silicosis in a prospective cohort study of patients
with silicosis who were previously exposed to silica from granite dust
METHODS
From among a total of 260 patients with silicosis contracted from granite work 141 with available serial chest x ray
films of acceptable quality taken over a period of 2 to 17 (mean 75) years were selected for study Ninety four
(667) had ended exposure 5 or more years previously (mean 101 years maximum 28 years) Radiological
progression was assessed by paired comparison of the initial and most recent radiographs with two or more steps of
increase in profusion of small opacities according to the 12 point scale of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis taken from the majority reading by a panel of three independent
readers
RESULTS
Overall 37 of patients with silicosis had radiological evidence of progression From the initial radiographs 24
(316) of those with radiological profusion category 1 15 (375) of those with radiological profusion category 2
and 13 (52) of those with complicated silicosis (including all seven with category 3 profusion of small opacities)
showed radiological progression As expected progression was more likely to be found after longer periods of follow
up (the interval between the two chest x ray films) with a 20 increased odds of progression for every additional year
of follow up After adjustment for varying intervals of follow up the probability of radiological progression was found to
be significant if large opacities were present in the initial chest x ray film Progression was also less likely to be found
among those who had ended exposure to silica longer ago although the result was of borderline significance
(p=007) Tuberculosis was also associated with increased likelihood of progression (borderline significance)
CONCLUSIONS
There is a high probability of radiological progression in silicosis after high levels of exposure to granite dust among
workers who were followed up for up to 17 years A significant risk factor is the extent of radiological opacities in the
initial chest x ray film The probability of progression is also likely to be reduced with longer periods after the end of
exposure
PMID
11404452
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1740153
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Disease Progression
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Exposurestatistics amp numerical data
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Silicosispathology
Silicosisradiography
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
J Occup Environ Med 2001 Apr43(4)412-7
Radiographic abnormalities in long-tenure Vermont granite workers and the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica
Graham WG Vacek PM Morgan WK Muir DC Sisco-Cheng B
Source
Pulmonary Division Department of Medicine University of Vermont College of Medicine 420 Lake Road Charlotte
VT 05445 USA
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities consistent with silicosis in a
group of 600 retired granite workers who were receiving pensions Files of regional clinics and hospitals were
searched for chest radiographs taken on these men and 470 x-ray films suitable for interpretation were located After
exclusions (women and men who had worked in the granite industry elsewhere) 408 x-ray films were independently
read by three experienced readers using the 1980 International Labour Office scheme Dust exposures were
estimated for workers hired after 1940 when the dust-control standard of 10 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf)
(equivalent to 01 mgm3) was put in place and monitored by the Vermont Division of Industrial Hygiene Dust levels
were initially high but were gradually reduced from 1940 to 1954 after which average quartz exposures stabilized to a
mean of approximately 005 to 006 mgm3 however about 10 to 15 of samples after 1954 exceeded 01 mgm3
Of the 408 x-ray films 58 were taken on workers hired before dust controls were instituted in 1940 and 259
showed abnormalities (a profusion score of 10 or greater) A total of 350 x-ray films were taken on workers hired in
1940 or after and the prevalence in this group was 57 The radiographic changes in workers hired after 1940 are
likely due to excessive exposures during the first 15 years of dust control We conclude that if the exposure standard
of 01 mgm3 is rigorously observed in the workplace radiographic abnormalities caused by quartz dust in long-term
workers will be rare
Comment in
J Occup Environ Med 2002 Apr44(4)308 author reply 308-9
PMID
11322102
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Threshold Limit Values
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Sep14(9)577-82
Silica exposure during granite countertop fabrication
Simcox NJ Lofgren D Leons J Camp J
Source
University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group Seattle 98195-4695 USA
PMID
10510518
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
METHODS
Records of workers between 1950 and 1982 were obtained from a medical surveillance programme Proportional
hazards models were used to model the association between silica exposure and lung cancer mortality with
penalised splines used to smooth the exposure-response relationship A sensitivity analysis compared results
between the original cohort and subcohorts defined by restricting date of hire to include varying proportions of
prevalent hires
RESULTS
Restricting to incident hires reduced the 213 cases by 74 and decreased the exposure range The maximum
mortality rate ratio (MRR) was close to twofold in all subcohorts However the exposure at which the maximum MRR
was achieved decreased from 40 to 06 mg-yearm3 as the proportion of prevalent hires decreased from 50 in the
original cohort to 0 in the subcohort of incident hires
CONCLUSION
Despite loss in power and restricted exposure range decreasing the relative proportion of prevalent to incident hires
reduced HWSE bias resulting in stronger evidence for a dose-response between silica exposure and lung cancer
mortality
PMID
17449560
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2078404
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support NIH Extramural
MeSH Terms
Aged
Bias (Epidemiology)
Cohort Studies
Employmentstatistics amp numerical data
Follow-Up Studies
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Incidence
Industrystatistics amp numerical data
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Prevalence
Proportional Hazards Models
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Survival Analysis
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
CA81345CANCI NIH HHSUnited States
T32 ES07155ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
J Public Health Policy 2005 Jul26(2)192-202 discussion 203-5
Change in the world of occupational health silica control then and now
Rosenberg B Levenstein C Spangler E
Source
Department of Public Health and Family Medicine Tufts University School of Medicine Boston MA 02111 USA
Abstract
To control silicosis we need to understand how change happens in occupational health Science alone does not
drive policy because we have known the causes of silicosis and how to prevent it for decades yet the disease
persists To control occupational disease we need to enter the social realm of work To investigate the determinants
of a successful silicosis control program we wrote a social history of the Vermont Granite Industry from 1938 to
1960 examining union journals newspapers industry journals scientific literature and government documents and
interviewing key informants The crucial factor of the successful program was a strong public health movement to
control tuberculosis rather than pressure to control the occupational disease Using this lesson to protect workers
from silica exposure now we chose to regulate silica under an environmental law the Massachusetts Toxics Use
Reduction Act Science is but one small factor necessary but insufficient in policy change We in occupational health
need to hitch onto a stronger movement currently the environmental movement Where unions are too weak to
demand safe technologies we need to learn to speak the language of employers because they may have little idea
of the costs of interventions We need to gather more economic information about the costs of interventions
PMID
16022212
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support NIH Extramural
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Dustprevention amp control
Humans
Industry
Massachusettsepidemiology
Occupational Exposureprevention amp control
Occupational Health
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Grant Support
U60CCU112232-01CCCDC HHSUnited States
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
Re Attfield M Costello J Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers Am J Ind Med 45129-138 2004
Graham WG
Comment on
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
PMID
15202130
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comment
Letter
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
J Occup Environ Med 2004 May46(5)459-66
Vermont granite mortality study an update with an emphasis on lung cancer
Graham WG Costello J Vacek PM
Source
Pulmonary Unit University of Vermont College of Medicine Burlington Vermont USA wgrahamuvmedu
Erratum in
J Occup Environ Med 2004 Aug46(8)876
Abstract
This mortality study extends the period of observation of an article published in 1988 of 5414 workers in Vermont
granite sheds and quarries to assess whether previously reported reductions in silicosis and tuberculosis mortality
were maintained The relationship between lung cancer and quartz exposure is also examined by comparing mortality
in workers hired before and after 1940 when dust controls were introduced and exposures were reduced by 80 to
90 Before 1940 general stone shed air contained 20 million particlescubic foot (mppcf) (approximately equivalent
to 02 mgm of quartz) and pneumatic chisel workers were exposed on average to 60 mppcf (approximately
equivalent to 06 mgm of quartz) Other workers had variable exposures After 1940 a period of decline occurred in
dust levels and then stabilized in approximately 1955 when average dust levels were 5 to 6 mppcf (equivalent to
005-06 mgm of quartz) Dust exposures in the Vermont industry is considered to be free of confounding
occupational substances such as arsenic although cigarette smoking was common By the end of 1996 2539
workers or 469 of the cohort had died There were no silicosis deaths in workers hired after 1940 who were
exposed only in the Vermont granite industry illustrating the effect of lowering quartz exposures Tuberculosis
caused 2 deaths in those hired after 1940 (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 052 not significant) Overall lung
cancer mortality was elevated in shed workers who had been exposed both to high levels of quartz before 1940 and
to the lower levels prevailing after 1940 (SMR = 132 P lt 001) Quarry workers did not show an excess of lung
cancer (SMR = 073 not significant) When shed workers with high and low exposure histories (before and after
1940) but with comparable latency and tenure were contrasted lung cancer mortality was similar Differing levels of
quartz exposure which resulted in large differences in the mortality experience from silicosis did not result in
differences in lung cancer mortality The results do not support the hypothesis that granite dust exposure has a
causal association with lung cancer
PMID
15167394
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cause of Death
Cohort Studies
Environmental Exposure
Extraction and Processing Industry
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers
Attfield MD Costello J
Source
Division of Respiratory Disease Studies NIOSH Morgantown West Virginia 26505 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Excess lung cancer mortality among the exposed Vermont granite workers has been reported These studies were
based on job and tenure surrogates with the potential for misclassification and inability to evaluate quantitative
exposure-response
METHODS
Industrial hygiene data collected from 1924 to 1977 was analyzed in conjunction with mortality data to examine
quantitative exposure-response for silica lung cancer and other lung diseases A person-years analysis was
undertaken by cumulative exposure group including lagged and unlagged tabulations Poisson models were fitted to
untransformed and log transformed exposure
RESULTS
The results indicated a clear relationship of lung cancer tuberculosis pneumoconiosis non-malignant lung disease
and kidney cancer with cumulative exposure An exposure to 005 mgm(3) from age 20 to 64 was associated with a
lifetime excess risk of lung cancer for white males of 271000
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study of workers exposed almost exclusively to silica and no other major occupational confounding
exposures indicate a clear exposure-response for lung cancer
Comment in
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
PMID
14748044
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Confounding Factors (Epidemiology)
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Life Tables
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Poisson Distribution
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 2002 Jun17(6)424-9
An evaluation of compliance with occupational exposure limits for crystalline silica (quartz) in ten Georgia granite sheds
Wickman AR Middendorf PJ
Source
Electro-Optics Environmental and Materials Laboratory Georgia Tech Research Institute Atlanta USA
Abstract
Since the 1920s industrial hygiene studies have documented granite shed workers exposures to crystalline silica
and the data from these studies have contributed to a better understanding of the relationship between silica
exposures and adverse health effects such as silicosis The majority of these studies were conducted in the Barre
Vermont granite sheds However a second major granite processing region is located in Elberton Georgia where
approximately 1800 workers are employed in 150 granite sheds and 45 quarries The current study reports the
exposures of 40 workers in 10 granite sheds in Elberton Georgia The arithmetic mean exposure to silica for all
monitored employees was 0052 mgm3 Employees were classified into one of seven job task groups The job task
group with the greatest exposure was the top polish group which had a mean exposure of 0085 mgm3 Among the
top polish workers the greatest percentage of exposures above the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations
permissible exposure limit (OSHA PEL) occurred among the workers who used dry grinders Wet methods were
effective in reducing these exposures to below the OSHA PEL The mean exposure of Elberton granite shed workers
was less than the OSHA PEL but was not below the threshold limit value of the American Conference of Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH TLV) which was lowered in the year 2000 to 005 mgm3 The Elberton granite shed workers
provide a valuable cohort for research on the effects of exposure to crystalline silica at levels between the ACGIH
TLV and the OSHA PEL They are a relatively permanent worker population are concentrated geographically and
have a quantitatively documented exposure to crystalline silica over the past twenty years
PMID
12049432
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
MeSH Terms
Environmental Monitoring
Georgia
Guideline Adherence
Humans
Job Description
Occupational Exposure
Public Policy
Reference Values
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
United States
United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)773-84
Pooled exposure-response analyses and risk assessment for lung cancer in 10 cohorts of silica-exposed workers an IARC multicentre study
Steenland K Mannetje A Boffetta P Stayner L Attfield M Chen J Dosemeci M DeKlerk N Hnizdo E Koskela R
Checkoway H International Agency for Research on Cancer
Source
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati USA nsteenlandcdcgov
Erratum in
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)777
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Silica is one of the most common occupational exposures worldwide In 1997 the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) classified inhaled crystalline silica as a human carcinogen (group 1) but acknowledged limitations
in the epidemiologic data including inconsistencies across studies and the lack of extensive exposure-response data
We have conducted a pooled exposure-response analysis of 10 silica-exposed cohorts to investigate lung cancer
METHODS
The pooled cohort included 65980 workers (44160 miners 21820 nominees) and 1072 lung cancer deaths (663
miners 409 nonminers) Follow-up has been extended for five of these cohorts beyond published data Quantitative
exposure estimates by job and calendar time were adopted modified or developed to permit common analyses by
respirable silica (mgm3) across cohorts
RESULTS
The log of cumulative exposure with a 15-year lag was a strong predictor of lung cancer (p = 00001) with
consistency across studies (test for heterogeneity p = 034) Results for the log of cumulative exposure were
consistent between underground mines and other facilities Categorical analyses by quintile of cumulative exposure
resulted in a monotonic trend with odds ratios of 10 10 13 15 16 Analyses using a spline curve also showed a
monotonic increase in risk with increasing exposure The estimated excess lifetime risk (through age 75) of lung
cancer for a worker exposed from age 20 to 65 at 01 mgm3 respirable crystalline silica (the permissible level in
many countries) was 11-17 above background risks of 3-6
CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the decision by the IARC to classify inhaled silica in occupational settings as a carcinogen and
suggest that the current exposure limits in many countries may be inadequate These data represent the first
quantitative exposure-response analysis and risk assessment for silica using data from multiple studies
Comment in
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)785-7
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)779-80 author reply 781-2
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)783-4 author reply 785
PMID
11714104
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
Review
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalstandards
Carcinogens Environmentaladverse effects
Cohort Studies
Diatomaceous Earthadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Goldadverse effects
Humans
Linear Models
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Maximum Allowable Concentration
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Risk Assessment
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidestandards
Silicosiscomplications
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Carcinogens Environmental
granite
Diatomaceous Earth
Gold
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2001 Jul58(7)467-71
Radiological progression and its predictive risk factors in silicosis
Lee HS Phoon WH Ng TP
Source
Department of Occupational Health Ministry of Manpower 18 Havelock Road 05-01 Singapore 059764
lee_hock_siangmomgovsg
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the risk factors predicting radiological progression in silicosis in a prospective cohort study of patients
with silicosis who were previously exposed to silica from granite dust
METHODS
From among a total of 260 patients with silicosis contracted from granite work 141 with available serial chest x ray
films of acceptable quality taken over a period of 2 to 17 (mean 75) years were selected for study Ninety four
(667) had ended exposure 5 or more years previously (mean 101 years maximum 28 years) Radiological
progression was assessed by paired comparison of the initial and most recent radiographs with two or more steps of
increase in profusion of small opacities according to the 12 point scale of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis taken from the majority reading by a panel of three independent
readers
RESULTS
Overall 37 of patients with silicosis had radiological evidence of progression From the initial radiographs 24
(316) of those with radiological profusion category 1 15 (375) of those with radiological profusion category 2
and 13 (52) of those with complicated silicosis (including all seven with category 3 profusion of small opacities)
showed radiological progression As expected progression was more likely to be found after longer periods of follow
up (the interval between the two chest x ray films) with a 20 increased odds of progression for every additional year
of follow up After adjustment for varying intervals of follow up the probability of radiological progression was found to
be significant if large opacities were present in the initial chest x ray film Progression was also less likely to be found
among those who had ended exposure to silica longer ago although the result was of borderline significance
(p=007) Tuberculosis was also associated with increased likelihood of progression (borderline significance)
CONCLUSIONS
There is a high probability of radiological progression in silicosis after high levels of exposure to granite dust among
workers who were followed up for up to 17 years A significant risk factor is the extent of radiological opacities in the
initial chest x ray film The probability of progression is also likely to be reduced with longer periods after the end of
exposure
PMID
11404452
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1740153
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Disease Progression
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Exposurestatistics amp numerical data
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Silicosispathology
Silicosisradiography
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
J Occup Environ Med 2001 Apr43(4)412-7
Radiographic abnormalities in long-tenure Vermont granite workers and the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica
Graham WG Vacek PM Morgan WK Muir DC Sisco-Cheng B
Source
Pulmonary Division Department of Medicine University of Vermont College of Medicine 420 Lake Road Charlotte
VT 05445 USA
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities consistent with silicosis in a
group of 600 retired granite workers who were receiving pensions Files of regional clinics and hospitals were
searched for chest radiographs taken on these men and 470 x-ray films suitable for interpretation were located After
exclusions (women and men who had worked in the granite industry elsewhere) 408 x-ray films were independently
read by three experienced readers using the 1980 International Labour Office scheme Dust exposures were
estimated for workers hired after 1940 when the dust-control standard of 10 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf)
(equivalent to 01 mgm3) was put in place and monitored by the Vermont Division of Industrial Hygiene Dust levels
were initially high but were gradually reduced from 1940 to 1954 after which average quartz exposures stabilized to a
mean of approximately 005 to 006 mgm3 however about 10 to 15 of samples after 1954 exceeded 01 mgm3
Of the 408 x-ray films 58 were taken on workers hired before dust controls were instituted in 1940 and 259
showed abnormalities (a profusion score of 10 or greater) A total of 350 x-ray films were taken on workers hired in
1940 or after and the prevalence in this group was 57 The radiographic changes in workers hired after 1940 are
likely due to excessive exposures during the first 15 years of dust control We conclude that if the exposure standard
of 01 mgm3 is rigorously observed in the workplace radiographic abnormalities caused by quartz dust in long-term
workers will be rare
Comment in
J Occup Environ Med 2002 Apr44(4)308 author reply 308-9
PMID
11322102
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Threshold Limit Values
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Sep14(9)577-82
Silica exposure during granite countertop fabrication
Simcox NJ Lofgren D Leons J Camp J
Source
University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group Seattle 98195-4695 USA
PMID
10510518
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Aged
Bias (Epidemiology)
Cohort Studies
Employmentstatistics amp numerical data
Follow-Up Studies
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Incidence
Industrystatistics amp numerical data
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Prevalence
Proportional Hazards Models
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Survival Analysis
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
CA81345CANCI NIH HHSUnited States
T32 ES07155ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
J Public Health Policy 2005 Jul26(2)192-202 discussion 203-5
Change in the world of occupational health silica control then and now
Rosenberg B Levenstein C Spangler E
Source
Department of Public Health and Family Medicine Tufts University School of Medicine Boston MA 02111 USA
Abstract
To control silicosis we need to understand how change happens in occupational health Science alone does not
drive policy because we have known the causes of silicosis and how to prevent it for decades yet the disease
persists To control occupational disease we need to enter the social realm of work To investigate the determinants
of a successful silicosis control program we wrote a social history of the Vermont Granite Industry from 1938 to
1960 examining union journals newspapers industry journals scientific literature and government documents and
interviewing key informants The crucial factor of the successful program was a strong public health movement to
control tuberculosis rather than pressure to control the occupational disease Using this lesson to protect workers
from silica exposure now we chose to regulate silica under an environmental law the Massachusetts Toxics Use
Reduction Act Science is but one small factor necessary but insufficient in policy change We in occupational health
need to hitch onto a stronger movement currently the environmental movement Where unions are too weak to
demand safe technologies we need to learn to speak the language of employers because they may have little idea
of the costs of interventions We need to gather more economic information about the costs of interventions
PMID
16022212
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support NIH Extramural
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Dustprevention amp control
Humans
Industry
Massachusettsepidemiology
Occupational Exposureprevention amp control
Occupational Health
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Grant Support
U60CCU112232-01CCCDC HHSUnited States
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
Re Attfield M Costello J Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers Am J Ind Med 45129-138 2004
Graham WG
Comment on
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
PMID
15202130
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comment
Letter
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
J Occup Environ Med 2004 May46(5)459-66
Vermont granite mortality study an update with an emphasis on lung cancer
Graham WG Costello J Vacek PM
Source
Pulmonary Unit University of Vermont College of Medicine Burlington Vermont USA wgrahamuvmedu
Erratum in
J Occup Environ Med 2004 Aug46(8)876
Abstract
This mortality study extends the period of observation of an article published in 1988 of 5414 workers in Vermont
granite sheds and quarries to assess whether previously reported reductions in silicosis and tuberculosis mortality
were maintained The relationship between lung cancer and quartz exposure is also examined by comparing mortality
in workers hired before and after 1940 when dust controls were introduced and exposures were reduced by 80 to
90 Before 1940 general stone shed air contained 20 million particlescubic foot (mppcf) (approximately equivalent
to 02 mgm of quartz) and pneumatic chisel workers were exposed on average to 60 mppcf (approximately
equivalent to 06 mgm of quartz) Other workers had variable exposures After 1940 a period of decline occurred in
dust levels and then stabilized in approximately 1955 when average dust levels were 5 to 6 mppcf (equivalent to
005-06 mgm of quartz) Dust exposures in the Vermont industry is considered to be free of confounding
occupational substances such as arsenic although cigarette smoking was common By the end of 1996 2539
workers or 469 of the cohort had died There were no silicosis deaths in workers hired after 1940 who were
exposed only in the Vermont granite industry illustrating the effect of lowering quartz exposures Tuberculosis
caused 2 deaths in those hired after 1940 (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 052 not significant) Overall lung
cancer mortality was elevated in shed workers who had been exposed both to high levels of quartz before 1940 and
to the lower levels prevailing after 1940 (SMR = 132 P lt 001) Quarry workers did not show an excess of lung
cancer (SMR = 073 not significant) When shed workers with high and low exposure histories (before and after
1940) but with comparable latency and tenure were contrasted lung cancer mortality was similar Differing levels of
quartz exposure which resulted in large differences in the mortality experience from silicosis did not result in
differences in lung cancer mortality The results do not support the hypothesis that granite dust exposure has a
causal association with lung cancer
PMID
15167394
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cause of Death
Cohort Studies
Environmental Exposure
Extraction and Processing Industry
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers
Attfield MD Costello J
Source
Division of Respiratory Disease Studies NIOSH Morgantown West Virginia 26505 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Excess lung cancer mortality among the exposed Vermont granite workers has been reported These studies were
based on job and tenure surrogates with the potential for misclassification and inability to evaluate quantitative
exposure-response
METHODS
Industrial hygiene data collected from 1924 to 1977 was analyzed in conjunction with mortality data to examine
quantitative exposure-response for silica lung cancer and other lung diseases A person-years analysis was
undertaken by cumulative exposure group including lagged and unlagged tabulations Poisson models were fitted to
untransformed and log transformed exposure
RESULTS
The results indicated a clear relationship of lung cancer tuberculosis pneumoconiosis non-malignant lung disease
and kidney cancer with cumulative exposure An exposure to 005 mgm(3) from age 20 to 64 was associated with a
lifetime excess risk of lung cancer for white males of 271000
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study of workers exposed almost exclusively to silica and no other major occupational confounding
exposures indicate a clear exposure-response for lung cancer
Comment in
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
PMID
14748044
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Confounding Factors (Epidemiology)
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Life Tables
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Poisson Distribution
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 2002 Jun17(6)424-9
An evaluation of compliance with occupational exposure limits for crystalline silica (quartz) in ten Georgia granite sheds
Wickman AR Middendorf PJ
Source
Electro-Optics Environmental and Materials Laboratory Georgia Tech Research Institute Atlanta USA
Abstract
Since the 1920s industrial hygiene studies have documented granite shed workers exposures to crystalline silica
and the data from these studies have contributed to a better understanding of the relationship between silica
exposures and adverse health effects such as silicosis The majority of these studies were conducted in the Barre
Vermont granite sheds However a second major granite processing region is located in Elberton Georgia where
approximately 1800 workers are employed in 150 granite sheds and 45 quarries The current study reports the
exposures of 40 workers in 10 granite sheds in Elberton Georgia The arithmetic mean exposure to silica for all
monitored employees was 0052 mgm3 Employees were classified into one of seven job task groups The job task
group with the greatest exposure was the top polish group which had a mean exposure of 0085 mgm3 Among the
top polish workers the greatest percentage of exposures above the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations
permissible exposure limit (OSHA PEL) occurred among the workers who used dry grinders Wet methods were
effective in reducing these exposures to below the OSHA PEL The mean exposure of Elberton granite shed workers
was less than the OSHA PEL but was not below the threshold limit value of the American Conference of Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH TLV) which was lowered in the year 2000 to 005 mgm3 The Elberton granite shed workers
provide a valuable cohort for research on the effects of exposure to crystalline silica at levels between the ACGIH
TLV and the OSHA PEL They are a relatively permanent worker population are concentrated geographically and
have a quantitatively documented exposure to crystalline silica over the past twenty years
PMID
12049432
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
MeSH Terms
Environmental Monitoring
Georgia
Guideline Adherence
Humans
Job Description
Occupational Exposure
Public Policy
Reference Values
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
United States
United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)773-84
Pooled exposure-response analyses and risk assessment for lung cancer in 10 cohorts of silica-exposed workers an IARC multicentre study
Steenland K Mannetje A Boffetta P Stayner L Attfield M Chen J Dosemeci M DeKlerk N Hnizdo E Koskela R
Checkoway H International Agency for Research on Cancer
Source
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati USA nsteenlandcdcgov
Erratum in
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)777
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Silica is one of the most common occupational exposures worldwide In 1997 the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) classified inhaled crystalline silica as a human carcinogen (group 1) but acknowledged limitations
in the epidemiologic data including inconsistencies across studies and the lack of extensive exposure-response data
We have conducted a pooled exposure-response analysis of 10 silica-exposed cohorts to investigate lung cancer
METHODS
The pooled cohort included 65980 workers (44160 miners 21820 nominees) and 1072 lung cancer deaths (663
miners 409 nonminers) Follow-up has been extended for five of these cohorts beyond published data Quantitative
exposure estimates by job and calendar time were adopted modified or developed to permit common analyses by
respirable silica (mgm3) across cohorts
RESULTS
The log of cumulative exposure with a 15-year lag was a strong predictor of lung cancer (p = 00001) with
consistency across studies (test for heterogeneity p = 034) Results for the log of cumulative exposure were
consistent between underground mines and other facilities Categorical analyses by quintile of cumulative exposure
resulted in a monotonic trend with odds ratios of 10 10 13 15 16 Analyses using a spline curve also showed a
monotonic increase in risk with increasing exposure The estimated excess lifetime risk (through age 75) of lung
cancer for a worker exposed from age 20 to 65 at 01 mgm3 respirable crystalline silica (the permissible level in
many countries) was 11-17 above background risks of 3-6
CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the decision by the IARC to classify inhaled silica in occupational settings as a carcinogen and
suggest that the current exposure limits in many countries may be inadequate These data represent the first
quantitative exposure-response analysis and risk assessment for silica using data from multiple studies
Comment in
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)785-7
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)779-80 author reply 781-2
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)783-4 author reply 785
PMID
11714104
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
Review
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalstandards
Carcinogens Environmentaladverse effects
Cohort Studies
Diatomaceous Earthadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Goldadverse effects
Humans
Linear Models
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Maximum Allowable Concentration
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Risk Assessment
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidestandards
Silicosiscomplications
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Carcinogens Environmental
granite
Diatomaceous Earth
Gold
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2001 Jul58(7)467-71
Radiological progression and its predictive risk factors in silicosis
Lee HS Phoon WH Ng TP
Source
Department of Occupational Health Ministry of Manpower 18 Havelock Road 05-01 Singapore 059764
lee_hock_siangmomgovsg
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the risk factors predicting radiological progression in silicosis in a prospective cohort study of patients
with silicosis who were previously exposed to silica from granite dust
METHODS
From among a total of 260 patients with silicosis contracted from granite work 141 with available serial chest x ray
films of acceptable quality taken over a period of 2 to 17 (mean 75) years were selected for study Ninety four
(667) had ended exposure 5 or more years previously (mean 101 years maximum 28 years) Radiological
progression was assessed by paired comparison of the initial and most recent radiographs with two or more steps of
increase in profusion of small opacities according to the 12 point scale of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis taken from the majority reading by a panel of three independent
readers
RESULTS
Overall 37 of patients with silicosis had radiological evidence of progression From the initial radiographs 24
(316) of those with radiological profusion category 1 15 (375) of those with radiological profusion category 2
and 13 (52) of those with complicated silicosis (including all seven with category 3 profusion of small opacities)
showed radiological progression As expected progression was more likely to be found after longer periods of follow
up (the interval between the two chest x ray films) with a 20 increased odds of progression for every additional year
of follow up After adjustment for varying intervals of follow up the probability of radiological progression was found to
be significant if large opacities were present in the initial chest x ray film Progression was also less likely to be found
among those who had ended exposure to silica longer ago although the result was of borderline significance
(p=007) Tuberculosis was also associated with increased likelihood of progression (borderline significance)
CONCLUSIONS
There is a high probability of radiological progression in silicosis after high levels of exposure to granite dust among
workers who were followed up for up to 17 years A significant risk factor is the extent of radiological opacities in the
initial chest x ray film The probability of progression is also likely to be reduced with longer periods after the end of
exposure
PMID
11404452
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1740153
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Disease Progression
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Exposurestatistics amp numerical data
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Silicosispathology
Silicosisradiography
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
J Occup Environ Med 2001 Apr43(4)412-7
Radiographic abnormalities in long-tenure Vermont granite workers and the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica
Graham WG Vacek PM Morgan WK Muir DC Sisco-Cheng B
Source
Pulmonary Division Department of Medicine University of Vermont College of Medicine 420 Lake Road Charlotte
VT 05445 USA
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities consistent with silicosis in a
group of 600 retired granite workers who were receiving pensions Files of regional clinics and hospitals were
searched for chest radiographs taken on these men and 470 x-ray films suitable for interpretation were located After
exclusions (women and men who had worked in the granite industry elsewhere) 408 x-ray films were independently
read by three experienced readers using the 1980 International Labour Office scheme Dust exposures were
estimated for workers hired after 1940 when the dust-control standard of 10 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf)
(equivalent to 01 mgm3) was put in place and monitored by the Vermont Division of Industrial Hygiene Dust levels
were initially high but were gradually reduced from 1940 to 1954 after which average quartz exposures stabilized to a
mean of approximately 005 to 006 mgm3 however about 10 to 15 of samples after 1954 exceeded 01 mgm3
Of the 408 x-ray films 58 were taken on workers hired before dust controls were instituted in 1940 and 259
showed abnormalities (a profusion score of 10 or greater) A total of 350 x-ray films were taken on workers hired in
1940 or after and the prevalence in this group was 57 The radiographic changes in workers hired after 1940 are
likely due to excessive exposures during the first 15 years of dust control We conclude that if the exposure standard
of 01 mgm3 is rigorously observed in the workplace radiographic abnormalities caused by quartz dust in long-term
workers will be rare
Comment in
J Occup Environ Med 2002 Apr44(4)308 author reply 308-9
PMID
11322102
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Threshold Limit Values
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Sep14(9)577-82
Silica exposure during granite countertop fabrication
Simcox NJ Lofgren D Leons J Camp J
Source
University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group Seattle 98195-4695 USA
PMID
10510518
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
1960 examining union journals newspapers industry journals scientific literature and government documents and
interviewing key informants The crucial factor of the successful program was a strong public health movement to
control tuberculosis rather than pressure to control the occupational disease Using this lesson to protect workers
from silica exposure now we chose to regulate silica under an environmental law the Massachusetts Toxics Use
Reduction Act Science is but one small factor necessary but insufficient in policy change We in occupational health
need to hitch onto a stronger movement currently the environmental movement Where unions are too weak to
demand safe technologies we need to learn to speak the language of employers because they may have little idea
of the costs of interventions We need to gather more economic information about the costs of interventions
PMID
16022212
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support NIH Extramural
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Dustprevention amp control
Humans
Industry
Massachusettsepidemiology
Occupational Exposureprevention amp control
Occupational Health
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Grant Support
U60CCU112232-01CCCDC HHSUnited States
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
Re Attfield M Costello J Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers Am J Ind Med 45129-138 2004
Graham WG
Comment on
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
PMID
15202130
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comment
Letter
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
J Occup Environ Med 2004 May46(5)459-66
Vermont granite mortality study an update with an emphasis on lung cancer
Graham WG Costello J Vacek PM
Source
Pulmonary Unit University of Vermont College of Medicine Burlington Vermont USA wgrahamuvmedu
Erratum in
J Occup Environ Med 2004 Aug46(8)876
Abstract
This mortality study extends the period of observation of an article published in 1988 of 5414 workers in Vermont
granite sheds and quarries to assess whether previously reported reductions in silicosis and tuberculosis mortality
were maintained The relationship between lung cancer and quartz exposure is also examined by comparing mortality
in workers hired before and after 1940 when dust controls were introduced and exposures were reduced by 80 to
90 Before 1940 general stone shed air contained 20 million particlescubic foot (mppcf) (approximately equivalent
to 02 mgm of quartz) and pneumatic chisel workers were exposed on average to 60 mppcf (approximately
equivalent to 06 mgm of quartz) Other workers had variable exposures After 1940 a period of decline occurred in
dust levels and then stabilized in approximately 1955 when average dust levels were 5 to 6 mppcf (equivalent to
005-06 mgm of quartz) Dust exposures in the Vermont industry is considered to be free of confounding
occupational substances such as arsenic although cigarette smoking was common By the end of 1996 2539
workers or 469 of the cohort had died There were no silicosis deaths in workers hired after 1940 who were
exposed only in the Vermont granite industry illustrating the effect of lowering quartz exposures Tuberculosis
caused 2 deaths in those hired after 1940 (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 052 not significant) Overall lung
cancer mortality was elevated in shed workers who had been exposed both to high levels of quartz before 1940 and
to the lower levels prevailing after 1940 (SMR = 132 P lt 001) Quarry workers did not show an excess of lung
cancer (SMR = 073 not significant) When shed workers with high and low exposure histories (before and after
1940) but with comparable latency and tenure were contrasted lung cancer mortality was similar Differing levels of
quartz exposure which resulted in large differences in the mortality experience from silicosis did not result in
differences in lung cancer mortality The results do not support the hypothesis that granite dust exposure has a
causal association with lung cancer
PMID
15167394
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cause of Death
Cohort Studies
Environmental Exposure
Extraction and Processing Industry
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers
Attfield MD Costello J
Source
Division of Respiratory Disease Studies NIOSH Morgantown West Virginia 26505 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Excess lung cancer mortality among the exposed Vermont granite workers has been reported These studies were
based on job and tenure surrogates with the potential for misclassification and inability to evaluate quantitative
exposure-response
METHODS
Industrial hygiene data collected from 1924 to 1977 was analyzed in conjunction with mortality data to examine
quantitative exposure-response for silica lung cancer and other lung diseases A person-years analysis was
undertaken by cumulative exposure group including lagged and unlagged tabulations Poisson models were fitted to
untransformed and log transformed exposure
RESULTS
The results indicated a clear relationship of lung cancer tuberculosis pneumoconiosis non-malignant lung disease
and kidney cancer with cumulative exposure An exposure to 005 mgm(3) from age 20 to 64 was associated with a
lifetime excess risk of lung cancer for white males of 271000
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study of workers exposed almost exclusively to silica and no other major occupational confounding
exposures indicate a clear exposure-response for lung cancer
Comment in
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
PMID
14748044
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Confounding Factors (Epidemiology)
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Life Tables
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Poisson Distribution
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 2002 Jun17(6)424-9
An evaluation of compliance with occupational exposure limits for crystalline silica (quartz) in ten Georgia granite sheds
Wickman AR Middendorf PJ
Source
Electro-Optics Environmental and Materials Laboratory Georgia Tech Research Institute Atlanta USA
Abstract
Since the 1920s industrial hygiene studies have documented granite shed workers exposures to crystalline silica
and the data from these studies have contributed to a better understanding of the relationship between silica
exposures and adverse health effects such as silicosis The majority of these studies were conducted in the Barre
Vermont granite sheds However a second major granite processing region is located in Elberton Georgia where
approximately 1800 workers are employed in 150 granite sheds and 45 quarries The current study reports the
exposures of 40 workers in 10 granite sheds in Elberton Georgia The arithmetic mean exposure to silica for all
monitored employees was 0052 mgm3 Employees were classified into one of seven job task groups The job task
group with the greatest exposure was the top polish group which had a mean exposure of 0085 mgm3 Among the
top polish workers the greatest percentage of exposures above the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations
permissible exposure limit (OSHA PEL) occurred among the workers who used dry grinders Wet methods were
effective in reducing these exposures to below the OSHA PEL The mean exposure of Elberton granite shed workers
was less than the OSHA PEL but was not below the threshold limit value of the American Conference of Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH TLV) which was lowered in the year 2000 to 005 mgm3 The Elberton granite shed workers
provide a valuable cohort for research on the effects of exposure to crystalline silica at levels between the ACGIH
TLV and the OSHA PEL They are a relatively permanent worker population are concentrated geographically and
have a quantitatively documented exposure to crystalline silica over the past twenty years
PMID
12049432
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
MeSH Terms
Environmental Monitoring
Georgia
Guideline Adherence
Humans
Job Description
Occupational Exposure
Public Policy
Reference Values
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
United States
United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)773-84
Pooled exposure-response analyses and risk assessment for lung cancer in 10 cohorts of silica-exposed workers an IARC multicentre study
Steenland K Mannetje A Boffetta P Stayner L Attfield M Chen J Dosemeci M DeKlerk N Hnizdo E Koskela R
Checkoway H International Agency for Research on Cancer
Source
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati USA nsteenlandcdcgov
Erratum in
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)777
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Silica is one of the most common occupational exposures worldwide In 1997 the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) classified inhaled crystalline silica as a human carcinogen (group 1) but acknowledged limitations
in the epidemiologic data including inconsistencies across studies and the lack of extensive exposure-response data
We have conducted a pooled exposure-response analysis of 10 silica-exposed cohorts to investigate lung cancer
METHODS
The pooled cohort included 65980 workers (44160 miners 21820 nominees) and 1072 lung cancer deaths (663
miners 409 nonminers) Follow-up has been extended for five of these cohorts beyond published data Quantitative
exposure estimates by job and calendar time were adopted modified or developed to permit common analyses by
respirable silica (mgm3) across cohorts
RESULTS
The log of cumulative exposure with a 15-year lag was a strong predictor of lung cancer (p = 00001) with
consistency across studies (test for heterogeneity p = 034) Results for the log of cumulative exposure were
consistent between underground mines and other facilities Categorical analyses by quintile of cumulative exposure
resulted in a monotonic trend with odds ratios of 10 10 13 15 16 Analyses using a spline curve also showed a
monotonic increase in risk with increasing exposure The estimated excess lifetime risk (through age 75) of lung
cancer for a worker exposed from age 20 to 65 at 01 mgm3 respirable crystalline silica (the permissible level in
many countries) was 11-17 above background risks of 3-6
CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the decision by the IARC to classify inhaled silica in occupational settings as a carcinogen and
suggest that the current exposure limits in many countries may be inadequate These data represent the first
quantitative exposure-response analysis and risk assessment for silica using data from multiple studies
Comment in
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)785-7
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)779-80 author reply 781-2
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)783-4 author reply 785
PMID
11714104
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
Review
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalstandards
Carcinogens Environmentaladverse effects
Cohort Studies
Diatomaceous Earthadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Goldadverse effects
Humans
Linear Models
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Maximum Allowable Concentration
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Risk Assessment
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidestandards
Silicosiscomplications
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Carcinogens Environmental
granite
Diatomaceous Earth
Gold
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2001 Jul58(7)467-71
Radiological progression and its predictive risk factors in silicosis
Lee HS Phoon WH Ng TP
Source
Department of Occupational Health Ministry of Manpower 18 Havelock Road 05-01 Singapore 059764
lee_hock_siangmomgovsg
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the risk factors predicting radiological progression in silicosis in a prospective cohort study of patients
with silicosis who were previously exposed to silica from granite dust
METHODS
From among a total of 260 patients with silicosis contracted from granite work 141 with available serial chest x ray
films of acceptable quality taken over a period of 2 to 17 (mean 75) years were selected for study Ninety four
(667) had ended exposure 5 or more years previously (mean 101 years maximum 28 years) Radiological
progression was assessed by paired comparison of the initial and most recent radiographs with two or more steps of
increase in profusion of small opacities according to the 12 point scale of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis taken from the majority reading by a panel of three independent
readers
RESULTS
Overall 37 of patients with silicosis had radiological evidence of progression From the initial radiographs 24
(316) of those with radiological profusion category 1 15 (375) of those with radiological profusion category 2
and 13 (52) of those with complicated silicosis (including all seven with category 3 profusion of small opacities)
showed radiological progression As expected progression was more likely to be found after longer periods of follow
up (the interval between the two chest x ray films) with a 20 increased odds of progression for every additional year
of follow up After adjustment for varying intervals of follow up the probability of radiological progression was found to
be significant if large opacities were present in the initial chest x ray film Progression was also less likely to be found
among those who had ended exposure to silica longer ago although the result was of borderline significance
(p=007) Tuberculosis was also associated with increased likelihood of progression (borderline significance)
CONCLUSIONS
There is a high probability of radiological progression in silicosis after high levels of exposure to granite dust among
workers who were followed up for up to 17 years A significant risk factor is the extent of radiological opacities in the
initial chest x ray film The probability of progression is also likely to be reduced with longer periods after the end of
exposure
PMID
11404452
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1740153
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Disease Progression
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Exposurestatistics amp numerical data
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Silicosispathology
Silicosisradiography
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
J Occup Environ Med 2001 Apr43(4)412-7
Radiographic abnormalities in long-tenure Vermont granite workers and the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica
Graham WG Vacek PM Morgan WK Muir DC Sisco-Cheng B
Source
Pulmonary Division Department of Medicine University of Vermont College of Medicine 420 Lake Road Charlotte
VT 05445 USA
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities consistent with silicosis in a
group of 600 retired granite workers who were receiving pensions Files of regional clinics and hospitals were
searched for chest radiographs taken on these men and 470 x-ray films suitable for interpretation were located After
exclusions (women and men who had worked in the granite industry elsewhere) 408 x-ray films were independently
read by three experienced readers using the 1980 International Labour Office scheme Dust exposures were
estimated for workers hired after 1940 when the dust-control standard of 10 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf)
(equivalent to 01 mgm3) was put in place and monitored by the Vermont Division of Industrial Hygiene Dust levels
were initially high but were gradually reduced from 1940 to 1954 after which average quartz exposures stabilized to a
mean of approximately 005 to 006 mgm3 however about 10 to 15 of samples after 1954 exceeded 01 mgm3
Of the 408 x-ray films 58 were taken on workers hired before dust controls were instituted in 1940 and 259
showed abnormalities (a profusion score of 10 or greater) A total of 350 x-ray films were taken on workers hired in
1940 or after and the prevalence in this group was 57 The radiographic changes in workers hired after 1940 are
likely due to excessive exposures during the first 15 years of dust control We conclude that if the exposure standard
of 01 mgm3 is rigorously observed in the workplace radiographic abnormalities caused by quartz dust in long-term
workers will be rare
Comment in
J Occup Environ Med 2002 Apr44(4)308 author reply 308-9
PMID
11322102
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Threshold Limit Values
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Sep14(9)577-82
Silica exposure during granite countertop fabrication
Simcox NJ Lofgren D Leons J Camp J
Source
University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group Seattle 98195-4695 USA
PMID
10510518
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Re Attfield M Costello J Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers Am J Ind Med 45129-138 2004
Graham WG
Comment on
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
PMID
15202130
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comment
Letter
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
J Occup Environ Med 2004 May46(5)459-66
Vermont granite mortality study an update with an emphasis on lung cancer
Graham WG Costello J Vacek PM
Source
Pulmonary Unit University of Vermont College of Medicine Burlington Vermont USA wgrahamuvmedu
Erratum in
J Occup Environ Med 2004 Aug46(8)876
Abstract
This mortality study extends the period of observation of an article published in 1988 of 5414 workers in Vermont
granite sheds and quarries to assess whether previously reported reductions in silicosis and tuberculosis mortality
were maintained The relationship between lung cancer and quartz exposure is also examined by comparing mortality
in workers hired before and after 1940 when dust controls were introduced and exposures were reduced by 80 to
90 Before 1940 general stone shed air contained 20 million particlescubic foot (mppcf) (approximately equivalent
to 02 mgm of quartz) and pneumatic chisel workers were exposed on average to 60 mppcf (approximately
equivalent to 06 mgm of quartz) Other workers had variable exposures After 1940 a period of decline occurred in
dust levels and then stabilized in approximately 1955 when average dust levels were 5 to 6 mppcf (equivalent to
005-06 mgm of quartz) Dust exposures in the Vermont industry is considered to be free of confounding
occupational substances such as arsenic although cigarette smoking was common By the end of 1996 2539
workers or 469 of the cohort had died There were no silicosis deaths in workers hired after 1940 who were
exposed only in the Vermont granite industry illustrating the effect of lowering quartz exposures Tuberculosis
caused 2 deaths in those hired after 1940 (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 052 not significant) Overall lung
cancer mortality was elevated in shed workers who had been exposed both to high levels of quartz before 1940 and
to the lower levels prevailing after 1940 (SMR = 132 P lt 001) Quarry workers did not show an excess of lung
cancer (SMR = 073 not significant) When shed workers with high and low exposure histories (before and after
1940) but with comparable latency and tenure were contrasted lung cancer mortality was similar Differing levels of
quartz exposure which resulted in large differences in the mortality experience from silicosis did not result in
differences in lung cancer mortality The results do not support the hypothesis that granite dust exposure has a
causal association with lung cancer
PMID
15167394
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cause of Death
Cohort Studies
Environmental Exposure
Extraction and Processing Industry
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers
Attfield MD Costello J
Source
Division of Respiratory Disease Studies NIOSH Morgantown West Virginia 26505 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Excess lung cancer mortality among the exposed Vermont granite workers has been reported These studies were
based on job and tenure surrogates with the potential for misclassification and inability to evaluate quantitative
exposure-response
METHODS
Industrial hygiene data collected from 1924 to 1977 was analyzed in conjunction with mortality data to examine
quantitative exposure-response for silica lung cancer and other lung diseases A person-years analysis was
undertaken by cumulative exposure group including lagged and unlagged tabulations Poisson models were fitted to
untransformed and log transformed exposure
RESULTS
The results indicated a clear relationship of lung cancer tuberculosis pneumoconiosis non-malignant lung disease
and kidney cancer with cumulative exposure An exposure to 005 mgm(3) from age 20 to 64 was associated with a
lifetime excess risk of lung cancer for white males of 271000
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study of workers exposed almost exclusively to silica and no other major occupational confounding
exposures indicate a clear exposure-response for lung cancer
Comment in
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
PMID
14748044
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Confounding Factors (Epidemiology)
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Life Tables
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Poisson Distribution
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 2002 Jun17(6)424-9
An evaluation of compliance with occupational exposure limits for crystalline silica (quartz) in ten Georgia granite sheds
Wickman AR Middendorf PJ
Source
Electro-Optics Environmental and Materials Laboratory Georgia Tech Research Institute Atlanta USA
Abstract
Since the 1920s industrial hygiene studies have documented granite shed workers exposures to crystalline silica
and the data from these studies have contributed to a better understanding of the relationship between silica
exposures and adverse health effects such as silicosis The majority of these studies were conducted in the Barre
Vermont granite sheds However a second major granite processing region is located in Elberton Georgia where
approximately 1800 workers are employed in 150 granite sheds and 45 quarries The current study reports the
exposures of 40 workers in 10 granite sheds in Elberton Georgia The arithmetic mean exposure to silica for all
monitored employees was 0052 mgm3 Employees were classified into one of seven job task groups The job task
group with the greatest exposure was the top polish group which had a mean exposure of 0085 mgm3 Among the
top polish workers the greatest percentage of exposures above the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations
permissible exposure limit (OSHA PEL) occurred among the workers who used dry grinders Wet methods were
effective in reducing these exposures to below the OSHA PEL The mean exposure of Elberton granite shed workers
was less than the OSHA PEL but was not below the threshold limit value of the American Conference of Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH TLV) which was lowered in the year 2000 to 005 mgm3 The Elberton granite shed workers
provide a valuable cohort for research on the effects of exposure to crystalline silica at levels between the ACGIH
TLV and the OSHA PEL They are a relatively permanent worker population are concentrated geographically and
have a quantitatively documented exposure to crystalline silica over the past twenty years
PMID
12049432
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
MeSH Terms
Environmental Monitoring
Georgia
Guideline Adherence
Humans
Job Description
Occupational Exposure
Public Policy
Reference Values
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
United States
United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)773-84
Pooled exposure-response analyses and risk assessment for lung cancer in 10 cohorts of silica-exposed workers an IARC multicentre study
Steenland K Mannetje A Boffetta P Stayner L Attfield M Chen J Dosemeci M DeKlerk N Hnizdo E Koskela R
Checkoway H International Agency for Research on Cancer
Source
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati USA nsteenlandcdcgov
Erratum in
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)777
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Silica is one of the most common occupational exposures worldwide In 1997 the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) classified inhaled crystalline silica as a human carcinogen (group 1) but acknowledged limitations
in the epidemiologic data including inconsistencies across studies and the lack of extensive exposure-response data
We have conducted a pooled exposure-response analysis of 10 silica-exposed cohorts to investigate lung cancer
METHODS
The pooled cohort included 65980 workers (44160 miners 21820 nominees) and 1072 lung cancer deaths (663
miners 409 nonminers) Follow-up has been extended for five of these cohorts beyond published data Quantitative
exposure estimates by job and calendar time were adopted modified or developed to permit common analyses by
respirable silica (mgm3) across cohorts
RESULTS
The log of cumulative exposure with a 15-year lag was a strong predictor of lung cancer (p = 00001) with
consistency across studies (test for heterogeneity p = 034) Results for the log of cumulative exposure were
consistent between underground mines and other facilities Categorical analyses by quintile of cumulative exposure
resulted in a monotonic trend with odds ratios of 10 10 13 15 16 Analyses using a spline curve also showed a
monotonic increase in risk with increasing exposure The estimated excess lifetime risk (through age 75) of lung
cancer for a worker exposed from age 20 to 65 at 01 mgm3 respirable crystalline silica (the permissible level in
many countries) was 11-17 above background risks of 3-6
CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the decision by the IARC to classify inhaled silica in occupational settings as a carcinogen and
suggest that the current exposure limits in many countries may be inadequate These data represent the first
quantitative exposure-response analysis and risk assessment for silica using data from multiple studies
Comment in
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)785-7
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)779-80 author reply 781-2
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)783-4 author reply 785
PMID
11714104
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
Review
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalstandards
Carcinogens Environmentaladverse effects
Cohort Studies
Diatomaceous Earthadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Goldadverse effects
Humans
Linear Models
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Maximum Allowable Concentration
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Risk Assessment
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidestandards
Silicosiscomplications
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Carcinogens Environmental
granite
Diatomaceous Earth
Gold
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2001 Jul58(7)467-71
Radiological progression and its predictive risk factors in silicosis
Lee HS Phoon WH Ng TP
Source
Department of Occupational Health Ministry of Manpower 18 Havelock Road 05-01 Singapore 059764
lee_hock_siangmomgovsg
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the risk factors predicting radiological progression in silicosis in a prospective cohort study of patients
with silicosis who were previously exposed to silica from granite dust
METHODS
From among a total of 260 patients with silicosis contracted from granite work 141 with available serial chest x ray
films of acceptable quality taken over a period of 2 to 17 (mean 75) years were selected for study Ninety four
(667) had ended exposure 5 or more years previously (mean 101 years maximum 28 years) Radiological
progression was assessed by paired comparison of the initial and most recent radiographs with two or more steps of
increase in profusion of small opacities according to the 12 point scale of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis taken from the majority reading by a panel of three independent
readers
RESULTS
Overall 37 of patients with silicosis had radiological evidence of progression From the initial radiographs 24
(316) of those with radiological profusion category 1 15 (375) of those with radiological profusion category 2
and 13 (52) of those with complicated silicosis (including all seven with category 3 profusion of small opacities)
showed radiological progression As expected progression was more likely to be found after longer periods of follow
up (the interval between the two chest x ray films) with a 20 increased odds of progression for every additional year
of follow up After adjustment for varying intervals of follow up the probability of radiological progression was found to
be significant if large opacities were present in the initial chest x ray film Progression was also less likely to be found
among those who had ended exposure to silica longer ago although the result was of borderline significance
(p=007) Tuberculosis was also associated with increased likelihood of progression (borderline significance)
CONCLUSIONS
There is a high probability of radiological progression in silicosis after high levels of exposure to granite dust among
workers who were followed up for up to 17 years A significant risk factor is the extent of radiological opacities in the
initial chest x ray film The probability of progression is also likely to be reduced with longer periods after the end of
exposure
PMID
11404452
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1740153
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Disease Progression
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Exposurestatistics amp numerical data
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Silicosispathology
Silicosisradiography
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
J Occup Environ Med 2001 Apr43(4)412-7
Radiographic abnormalities in long-tenure Vermont granite workers and the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica
Graham WG Vacek PM Morgan WK Muir DC Sisco-Cheng B
Source
Pulmonary Division Department of Medicine University of Vermont College of Medicine 420 Lake Road Charlotte
VT 05445 USA
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities consistent with silicosis in a
group of 600 retired granite workers who were receiving pensions Files of regional clinics and hospitals were
searched for chest radiographs taken on these men and 470 x-ray films suitable for interpretation were located After
exclusions (women and men who had worked in the granite industry elsewhere) 408 x-ray films were independently
read by three experienced readers using the 1980 International Labour Office scheme Dust exposures were
estimated for workers hired after 1940 when the dust-control standard of 10 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf)
(equivalent to 01 mgm3) was put in place and monitored by the Vermont Division of Industrial Hygiene Dust levels
were initially high but were gradually reduced from 1940 to 1954 after which average quartz exposures stabilized to a
mean of approximately 005 to 006 mgm3 however about 10 to 15 of samples after 1954 exceeded 01 mgm3
Of the 408 x-ray films 58 were taken on workers hired before dust controls were instituted in 1940 and 259
showed abnormalities (a profusion score of 10 or greater) A total of 350 x-ray films were taken on workers hired in
1940 or after and the prevalence in this group was 57 The radiographic changes in workers hired after 1940 are
likely due to excessive exposures during the first 15 years of dust control We conclude that if the exposure standard
of 01 mgm3 is rigorously observed in the workplace radiographic abnormalities caused by quartz dust in long-term
workers will be rare
Comment in
J Occup Environ Med 2002 Apr44(4)308 author reply 308-9
PMID
11322102
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Threshold Limit Values
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Sep14(9)577-82
Silica exposure during granite countertop fabrication
Simcox NJ Lofgren D Leons J Camp J
Source
University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group Seattle 98195-4695 USA
PMID
10510518
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Vermont granite mortality study an update with an emphasis on lung cancer
Graham WG Costello J Vacek PM
Source
Pulmonary Unit University of Vermont College of Medicine Burlington Vermont USA wgrahamuvmedu
Erratum in
J Occup Environ Med 2004 Aug46(8)876
Abstract
This mortality study extends the period of observation of an article published in 1988 of 5414 workers in Vermont
granite sheds and quarries to assess whether previously reported reductions in silicosis and tuberculosis mortality
were maintained The relationship between lung cancer and quartz exposure is also examined by comparing mortality
in workers hired before and after 1940 when dust controls were introduced and exposures were reduced by 80 to
90 Before 1940 general stone shed air contained 20 million particlescubic foot (mppcf) (approximately equivalent
to 02 mgm of quartz) and pneumatic chisel workers were exposed on average to 60 mppcf (approximately
equivalent to 06 mgm of quartz) Other workers had variable exposures After 1940 a period of decline occurred in
dust levels and then stabilized in approximately 1955 when average dust levels were 5 to 6 mppcf (equivalent to
005-06 mgm of quartz) Dust exposures in the Vermont industry is considered to be free of confounding
occupational substances such as arsenic although cigarette smoking was common By the end of 1996 2539
workers or 469 of the cohort had died There were no silicosis deaths in workers hired after 1940 who were
exposed only in the Vermont granite industry illustrating the effect of lowering quartz exposures Tuberculosis
caused 2 deaths in those hired after 1940 (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 052 not significant) Overall lung
cancer mortality was elevated in shed workers who had been exposed both to high levels of quartz before 1940 and
to the lower levels prevailing after 1940 (SMR = 132 P lt 001) Quarry workers did not show an excess of lung
cancer (SMR = 073 not significant) When shed workers with high and low exposure histories (before and after
1940) but with comparable latency and tenure were contrasted lung cancer mortality was similar Differing levels of
quartz exposure which resulted in large differences in the mortality experience from silicosis did not result in
differences in lung cancer mortality The results do not support the hypothesis that granite dust exposure has a
causal association with lung cancer
PMID
15167394
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cause of Death
Cohort Studies
Environmental Exposure
Extraction and Processing Industry
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers
Attfield MD Costello J
Source
Division of Respiratory Disease Studies NIOSH Morgantown West Virginia 26505 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Excess lung cancer mortality among the exposed Vermont granite workers has been reported These studies were
based on job and tenure surrogates with the potential for misclassification and inability to evaluate quantitative
exposure-response
METHODS
Industrial hygiene data collected from 1924 to 1977 was analyzed in conjunction with mortality data to examine
quantitative exposure-response for silica lung cancer and other lung diseases A person-years analysis was
undertaken by cumulative exposure group including lagged and unlagged tabulations Poisson models were fitted to
untransformed and log transformed exposure
RESULTS
The results indicated a clear relationship of lung cancer tuberculosis pneumoconiosis non-malignant lung disease
and kidney cancer with cumulative exposure An exposure to 005 mgm(3) from age 20 to 64 was associated with a
lifetime excess risk of lung cancer for white males of 271000
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study of workers exposed almost exclusively to silica and no other major occupational confounding
exposures indicate a clear exposure-response for lung cancer
Comment in
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
PMID
14748044
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Confounding Factors (Epidemiology)
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Life Tables
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Poisson Distribution
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 2002 Jun17(6)424-9
An evaluation of compliance with occupational exposure limits for crystalline silica (quartz) in ten Georgia granite sheds
Wickman AR Middendorf PJ
Source
Electro-Optics Environmental and Materials Laboratory Georgia Tech Research Institute Atlanta USA
Abstract
Since the 1920s industrial hygiene studies have documented granite shed workers exposures to crystalline silica
and the data from these studies have contributed to a better understanding of the relationship between silica
exposures and adverse health effects such as silicosis The majority of these studies were conducted in the Barre
Vermont granite sheds However a second major granite processing region is located in Elberton Georgia where
approximately 1800 workers are employed in 150 granite sheds and 45 quarries The current study reports the
exposures of 40 workers in 10 granite sheds in Elberton Georgia The arithmetic mean exposure to silica for all
monitored employees was 0052 mgm3 Employees were classified into one of seven job task groups The job task
group with the greatest exposure was the top polish group which had a mean exposure of 0085 mgm3 Among the
top polish workers the greatest percentage of exposures above the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations
permissible exposure limit (OSHA PEL) occurred among the workers who used dry grinders Wet methods were
effective in reducing these exposures to below the OSHA PEL The mean exposure of Elberton granite shed workers
was less than the OSHA PEL but was not below the threshold limit value of the American Conference of Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH TLV) which was lowered in the year 2000 to 005 mgm3 The Elberton granite shed workers
provide a valuable cohort for research on the effects of exposure to crystalline silica at levels between the ACGIH
TLV and the OSHA PEL They are a relatively permanent worker population are concentrated geographically and
have a quantitatively documented exposure to crystalline silica over the past twenty years
PMID
12049432
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
MeSH Terms
Environmental Monitoring
Georgia
Guideline Adherence
Humans
Job Description
Occupational Exposure
Public Policy
Reference Values
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
United States
United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)773-84
Pooled exposure-response analyses and risk assessment for lung cancer in 10 cohorts of silica-exposed workers an IARC multicentre study
Steenland K Mannetje A Boffetta P Stayner L Attfield M Chen J Dosemeci M DeKlerk N Hnizdo E Koskela R
Checkoway H International Agency for Research on Cancer
Source
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati USA nsteenlandcdcgov
Erratum in
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)777
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Silica is one of the most common occupational exposures worldwide In 1997 the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) classified inhaled crystalline silica as a human carcinogen (group 1) but acknowledged limitations
in the epidemiologic data including inconsistencies across studies and the lack of extensive exposure-response data
We have conducted a pooled exposure-response analysis of 10 silica-exposed cohorts to investigate lung cancer
METHODS
The pooled cohort included 65980 workers (44160 miners 21820 nominees) and 1072 lung cancer deaths (663
miners 409 nonminers) Follow-up has been extended for five of these cohorts beyond published data Quantitative
exposure estimates by job and calendar time were adopted modified or developed to permit common analyses by
respirable silica (mgm3) across cohorts
RESULTS
The log of cumulative exposure with a 15-year lag was a strong predictor of lung cancer (p = 00001) with
consistency across studies (test for heterogeneity p = 034) Results for the log of cumulative exposure were
consistent between underground mines and other facilities Categorical analyses by quintile of cumulative exposure
resulted in a monotonic trend with odds ratios of 10 10 13 15 16 Analyses using a spline curve also showed a
monotonic increase in risk with increasing exposure The estimated excess lifetime risk (through age 75) of lung
cancer for a worker exposed from age 20 to 65 at 01 mgm3 respirable crystalline silica (the permissible level in
many countries) was 11-17 above background risks of 3-6
CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the decision by the IARC to classify inhaled silica in occupational settings as a carcinogen and
suggest that the current exposure limits in many countries may be inadequate These data represent the first
quantitative exposure-response analysis and risk assessment for silica using data from multiple studies
Comment in
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)785-7
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)779-80 author reply 781-2
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)783-4 author reply 785
PMID
11714104
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
Review
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalstandards
Carcinogens Environmentaladverse effects
Cohort Studies
Diatomaceous Earthadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Goldadverse effects
Humans
Linear Models
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Maximum Allowable Concentration
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Risk Assessment
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidestandards
Silicosiscomplications
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Carcinogens Environmental
granite
Diatomaceous Earth
Gold
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2001 Jul58(7)467-71
Radiological progression and its predictive risk factors in silicosis
Lee HS Phoon WH Ng TP
Source
Department of Occupational Health Ministry of Manpower 18 Havelock Road 05-01 Singapore 059764
lee_hock_siangmomgovsg
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the risk factors predicting radiological progression in silicosis in a prospective cohort study of patients
with silicosis who were previously exposed to silica from granite dust
METHODS
From among a total of 260 patients with silicosis contracted from granite work 141 with available serial chest x ray
films of acceptable quality taken over a period of 2 to 17 (mean 75) years were selected for study Ninety four
(667) had ended exposure 5 or more years previously (mean 101 years maximum 28 years) Radiological
progression was assessed by paired comparison of the initial and most recent radiographs with two or more steps of
increase in profusion of small opacities according to the 12 point scale of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis taken from the majority reading by a panel of three independent
readers
RESULTS
Overall 37 of patients with silicosis had radiological evidence of progression From the initial radiographs 24
(316) of those with radiological profusion category 1 15 (375) of those with radiological profusion category 2
and 13 (52) of those with complicated silicosis (including all seven with category 3 profusion of small opacities)
showed radiological progression As expected progression was more likely to be found after longer periods of follow
up (the interval between the two chest x ray films) with a 20 increased odds of progression for every additional year
of follow up After adjustment for varying intervals of follow up the probability of radiological progression was found to
be significant if large opacities were present in the initial chest x ray film Progression was also less likely to be found
among those who had ended exposure to silica longer ago although the result was of borderline significance
(p=007) Tuberculosis was also associated with increased likelihood of progression (borderline significance)
CONCLUSIONS
There is a high probability of radiological progression in silicosis after high levels of exposure to granite dust among
workers who were followed up for up to 17 years A significant risk factor is the extent of radiological opacities in the
initial chest x ray film The probability of progression is also likely to be reduced with longer periods after the end of
exposure
PMID
11404452
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1740153
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Disease Progression
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Exposurestatistics amp numerical data
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Silicosispathology
Silicosisradiography
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
J Occup Environ Med 2001 Apr43(4)412-7
Radiographic abnormalities in long-tenure Vermont granite workers and the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica
Graham WG Vacek PM Morgan WK Muir DC Sisco-Cheng B
Source
Pulmonary Division Department of Medicine University of Vermont College of Medicine 420 Lake Road Charlotte
VT 05445 USA
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities consistent with silicosis in a
group of 600 retired granite workers who were receiving pensions Files of regional clinics and hospitals were
searched for chest radiographs taken on these men and 470 x-ray films suitable for interpretation were located After
exclusions (women and men who had worked in the granite industry elsewhere) 408 x-ray films were independently
read by three experienced readers using the 1980 International Labour Office scheme Dust exposures were
estimated for workers hired after 1940 when the dust-control standard of 10 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf)
(equivalent to 01 mgm3) was put in place and monitored by the Vermont Division of Industrial Hygiene Dust levels
were initially high but were gradually reduced from 1940 to 1954 after which average quartz exposures stabilized to a
mean of approximately 005 to 006 mgm3 however about 10 to 15 of samples after 1954 exceeded 01 mgm3
Of the 408 x-ray films 58 were taken on workers hired before dust controls were instituted in 1940 and 259
showed abnormalities (a profusion score of 10 or greater) A total of 350 x-ray films were taken on workers hired in
1940 or after and the prevalence in this group was 57 The radiographic changes in workers hired after 1940 are
likely due to excessive exposures during the first 15 years of dust control We conclude that if the exposure standard
of 01 mgm3 is rigorously observed in the workplace radiographic abnormalities caused by quartz dust in long-term
workers will be rare
Comment in
J Occup Environ Med 2002 Apr44(4)308 author reply 308-9
PMID
11322102
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Threshold Limit Values
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Sep14(9)577-82
Silica exposure during granite countertop fabrication
Simcox NJ Lofgren D Leons J Camp J
Source
University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group Seattle 98195-4695 USA
PMID
10510518
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
differences in lung cancer mortality The results do not support the hypothesis that granite dust exposure has a
causal association with lung cancer
PMID
15167394
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cause of Death
Cohort Studies
Environmental Exposure
Extraction and Processing Industry
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Am J Ind Med 2004 Feb45(2)129-38
Quantitative exposure-response for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers
Attfield MD Costello J
Source
Division of Respiratory Disease Studies NIOSH Morgantown West Virginia 26505 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Excess lung cancer mortality among the exposed Vermont granite workers has been reported These studies were
based on job and tenure surrogates with the potential for misclassification and inability to evaluate quantitative
exposure-response
METHODS
Industrial hygiene data collected from 1924 to 1977 was analyzed in conjunction with mortality data to examine
quantitative exposure-response for silica lung cancer and other lung diseases A person-years analysis was
undertaken by cumulative exposure group including lagged and unlagged tabulations Poisson models were fitted to
untransformed and log transformed exposure
RESULTS
The results indicated a clear relationship of lung cancer tuberculosis pneumoconiosis non-malignant lung disease
and kidney cancer with cumulative exposure An exposure to 005 mgm(3) from age 20 to 64 was associated with a
lifetime excess risk of lung cancer for white males of 271000
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study of workers exposed almost exclusively to silica and no other major occupational confounding
exposures indicate a clear exposure-response for lung cancer
Comment in
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
PMID
14748044
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Confounding Factors (Epidemiology)
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Life Tables
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Poisson Distribution
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 2002 Jun17(6)424-9
An evaluation of compliance with occupational exposure limits for crystalline silica (quartz) in ten Georgia granite sheds
Wickman AR Middendorf PJ
Source
Electro-Optics Environmental and Materials Laboratory Georgia Tech Research Institute Atlanta USA
Abstract
Since the 1920s industrial hygiene studies have documented granite shed workers exposures to crystalline silica
and the data from these studies have contributed to a better understanding of the relationship between silica
exposures and adverse health effects such as silicosis The majority of these studies were conducted in the Barre
Vermont granite sheds However a second major granite processing region is located in Elberton Georgia where
approximately 1800 workers are employed in 150 granite sheds and 45 quarries The current study reports the
exposures of 40 workers in 10 granite sheds in Elberton Georgia The arithmetic mean exposure to silica for all
monitored employees was 0052 mgm3 Employees were classified into one of seven job task groups The job task
group with the greatest exposure was the top polish group which had a mean exposure of 0085 mgm3 Among the
top polish workers the greatest percentage of exposures above the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations
permissible exposure limit (OSHA PEL) occurred among the workers who used dry grinders Wet methods were
effective in reducing these exposures to below the OSHA PEL The mean exposure of Elberton granite shed workers
was less than the OSHA PEL but was not below the threshold limit value of the American Conference of Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH TLV) which was lowered in the year 2000 to 005 mgm3 The Elberton granite shed workers
provide a valuable cohort for research on the effects of exposure to crystalline silica at levels between the ACGIH
TLV and the OSHA PEL They are a relatively permanent worker population are concentrated geographically and
have a quantitatively documented exposure to crystalline silica over the past twenty years
PMID
12049432
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
MeSH Terms
Environmental Monitoring
Georgia
Guideline Adherence
Humans
Job Description
Occupational Exposure
Public Policy
Reference Values
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
United States
United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)773-84
Pooled exposure-response analyses and risk assessment for lung cancer in 10 cohorts of silica-exposed workers an IARC multicentre study
Steenland K Mannetje A Boffetta P Stayner L Attfield M Chen J Dosemeci M DeKlerk N Hnizdo E Koskela R
Checkoway H International Agency for Research on Cancer
Source
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati USA nsteenlandcdcgov
Erratum in
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)777
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Silica is one of the most common occupational exposures worldwide In 1997 the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) classified inhaled crystalline silica as a human carcinogen (group 1) but acknowledged limitations
in the epidemiologic data including inconsistencies across studies and the lack of extensive exposure-response data
We have conducted a pooled exposure-response analysis of 10 silica-exposed cohorts to investigate lung cancer
METHODS
The pooled cohort included 65980 workers (44160 miners 21820 nominees) and 1072 lung cancer deaths (663
miners 409 nonminers) Follow-up has been extended for five of these cohorts beyond published data Quantitative
exposure estimates by job and calendar time were adopted modified or developed to permit common analyses by
respirable silica (mgm3) across cohorts
RESULTS
The log of cumulative exposure with a 15-year lag was a strong predictor of lung cancer (p = 00001) with
consistency across studies (test for heterogeneity p = 034) Results for the log of cumulative exposure were
consistent between underground mines and other facilities Categorical analyses by quintile of cumulative exposure
resulted in a monotonic trend with odds ratios of 10 10 13 15 16 Analyses using a spline curve also showed a
monotonic increase in risk with increasing exposure The estimated excess lifetime risk (through age 75) of lung
cancer for a worker exposed from age 20 to 65 at 01 mgm3 respirable crystalline silica (the permissible level in
many countries) was 11-17 above background risks of 3-6
CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the decision by the IARC to classify inhaled silica in occupational settings as a carcinogen and
suggest that the current exposure limits in many countries may be inadequate These data represent the first
quantitative exposure-response analysis and risk assessment for silica using data from multiple studies
Comment in
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)785-7
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)779-80 author reply 781-2
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)783-4 author reply 785
PMID
11714104
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
Review
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalstandards
Carcinogens Environmentaladverse effects
Cohort Studies
Diatomaceous Earthadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Goldadverse effects
Humans
Linear Models
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Maximum Allowable Concentration
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Risk Assessment
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidestandards
Silicosiscomplications
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Carcinogens Environmental
granite
Diatomaceous Earth
Gold
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2001 Jul58(7)467-71
Radiological progression and its predictive risk factors in silicosis
Lee HS Phoon WH Ng TP
Source
Department of Occupational Health Ministry of Manpower 18 Havelock Road 05-01 Singapore 059764
lee_hock_siangmomgovsg
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the risk factors predicting radiological progression in silicosis in a prospective cohort study of patients
with silicosis who were previously exposed to silica from granite dust
METHODS
From among a total of 260 patients with silicosis contracted from granite work 141 with available serial chest x ray
films of acceptable quality taken over a period of 2 to 17 (mean 75) years were selected for study Ninety four
(667) had ended exposure 5 or more years previously (mean 101 years maximum 28 years) Radiological
progression was assessed by paired comparison of the initial and most recent radiographs with two or more steps of
increase in profusion of small opacities according to the 12 point scale of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis taken from the majority reading by a panel of three independent
readers
RESULTS
Overall 37 of patients with silicosis had radiological evidence of progression From the initial radiographs 24
(316) of those with radiological profusion category 1 15 (375) of those with radiological profusion category 2
and 13 (52) of those with complicated silicosis (including all seven with category 3 profusion of small opacities)
showed radiological progression As expected progression was more likely to be found after longer periods of follow
up (the interval between the two chest x ray films) with a 20 increased odds of progression for every additional year
of follow up After adjustment for varying intervals of follow up the probability of radiological progression was found to
be significant if large opacities were present in the initial chest x ray film Progression was also less likely to be found
among those who had ended exposure to silica longer ago although the result was of borderline significance
(p=007) Tuberculosis was also associated with increased likelihood of progression (borderline significance)
CONCLUSIONS
There is a high probability of radiological progression in silicosis after high levels of exposure to granite dust among
workers who were followed up for up to 17 years A significant risk factor is the extent of radiological opacities in the
initial chest x ray film The probability of progression is also likely to be reduced with longer periods after the end of
exposure
PMID
11404452
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1740153
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Disease Progression
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Exposurestatistics amp numerical data
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Silicosispathology
Silicosisradiography
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
J Occup Environ Med 2001 Apr43(4)412-7
Radiographic abnormalities in long-tenure Vermont granite workers and the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica
Graham WG Vacek PM Morgan WK Muir DC Sisco-Cheng B
Source
Pulmonary Division Department of Medicine University of Vermont College of Medicine 420 Lake Road Charlotte
VT 05445 USA
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities consistent with silicosis in a
group of 600 retired granite workers who were receiving pensions Files of regional clinics and hospitals were
searched for chest radiographs taken on these men and 470 x-ray films suitable for interpretation were located After
exclusions (women and men who had worked in the granite industry elsewhere) 408 x-ray films were independently
read by three experienced readers using the 1980 International Labour Office scheme Dust exposures were
estimated for workers hired after 1940 when the dust-control standard of 10 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf)
(equivalent to 01 mgm3) was put in place and monitored by the Vermont Division of Industrial Hygiene Dust levels
were initially high but were gradually reduced from 1940 to 1954 after which average quartz exposures stabilized to a
mean of approximately 005 to 006 mgm3 however about 10 to 15 of samples after 1954 exceeded 01 mgm3
Of the 408 x-ray films 58 were taken on workers hired before dust controls were instituted in 1940 and 259
showed abnormalities (a profusion score of 10 or greater) A total of 350 x-ray films were taken on workers hired in
1940 or after and the prevalence in this group was 57 The radiographic changes in workers hired after 1940 are
likely due to excessive exposures during the first 15 years of dust control We conclude that if the exposure standard
of 01 mgm3 is rigorously observed in the workplace radiographic abnormalities caused by quartz dust in long-term
workers will be rare
Comment in
J Occup Environ Med 2002 Apr44(4)308 author reply 308-9
PMID
11322102
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Threshold Limit Values
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Sep14(9)577-82
Silica exposure during granite countertop fabrication
Simcox NJ Lofgren D Leons J Camp J
Source
University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group Seattle 98195-4695 USA
PMID
10510518
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Excess lung cancer mortality among the exposed Vermont granite workers has been reported These studies were
based on job and tenure surrogates with the potential for misclassification and inability to evaluate quantitative
exposure-response
METHODS
Industrial hygiene data collected from 1924 to 1977 was analyzed in conjunction with mortality data to examine
quantitative exposure-response for silica lung cancer and other lung diseases A person-years analysis was
undertaken by cumulative exposure group including lagged and unlagged tabulations Poisson models were fitted to
untransformed and log transformed exposure
RESULTS
The results indicated a clear relationship of lung cancer tuberculosis pneumoconiosis non-malignant lung disease
and kidney cancer with cumulative exposure An exposure to 005 mgm(3) from age 20 to 64 was associated with a
lifetime excess risk of lung cancer for white males of 271000
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study of workers exposed almost exclusively to silica and no other major occupational confounding
exposures indicate a clear exposure-response for lung cancer
Comment in
Am J Ind Med 2004 Jul46(1)89 author reply 90
PMID
14748044
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Confounding Factors (Epidemiology)
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Life Tables
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Poisson Distribution
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 2002 Jun17(6)424-9
An evaluation of compliance with occupational exposure limits for crystalline silica (quartz) in ten Georgia granite sheds
Wickman AR Middendorf PJ
Source
Electro-Optics Environmental and Materials Laboratory Georgia Tech Research Institute Atlanta USA
Abstract
Since the 1920s industrial hygiene studies have documented granite shed workers exposures to crystalline silica
and the data from these studies have contributed to a better understanding of the relationship between silica
exposures and adverse health effects such as silicosis The majority of these studies were conducted in the Barre
Vermont granite sheds However a second major granite processing region is located in Elberton Georgia where
approximately 1800 workers are employed in 150 granite sheds and 45 quarries The current study reports the
exposures of 40 workers in 10 granite sheds in Elberton Georgia The arithmetic mean exposure to silica for all
monitored employees was 0052 mgm3 Employees were classified into one of seven job task groups The job task
group with the greatest exposure was the top polish group which had a mean exposure of 0085 mgm3 Among the
top polish workers the greatest percentage of exposures above the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations
permissible exposure limit (OSHA PEL) occurred among the workers who used dry grinders Wet methods were
effective in reducing these exposures to below the OSHA PEL The mean exposure of Elberton granite shed workers
was less than the OSHA PEL but was not below the threshold limit value of the American Conference of Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH TLV) which was lowered in the year 2000 to 005 mgm3 The Elberton granite shed workers
provide a valuable cohort for research on the effects of exposure to crystalline silica at levels between the ACGIH
TLV and the OSHA PEL They are a relatively permanent worker population are concentrated geographically and
have a quantitatively documented exposure to crystalline silica over the past twenty years
PMID
12049432
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
MeSH Terms
Environmental Monitoring
Georgia
Guideline Adherence
Humans
Job Description
Occupational Exposure
Public Policy
Reference Values
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
United States
United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)773-84
Pooled exposure-response analyses and risk assessment for lung cancer in 10 cohorts of silica-exposed workers an IARC multicentre study
Steenland K Mannetje A Boffetta P Stayner L Attfield M Chen J Dosemeci M DeKlerk N Hnizdo E Koskela R
Checkoway H International Agency for Research on Cancer
Source
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati USA nsteenlandcdcgov
Erratum in
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)777
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Silica is one of the most common occupational exposures worldwide In 1997 the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) classified inhaled crystalline silica as a human carcinogen (group 1) but acknowledged limitations
in the epidemiologic data including inconsistencies across studies and the lack of extensive exposure-response data
We have conducted a pooled exposure-response analysis of 10 silica-exposed cohorts to investigate lung cancer
METHODS
The pooled cohort included 65980 workers (44160 miners 21820 nominees) and 1072 lung cancer deaths (663
miners 409 nonminers) Follow-up has been extended for five of these cohorts beyond published data Quantitative
exposure estimates by job and calendar time were adopted modified or developed to permit common analyses by
respirable silica (mgm3) across cohorts
RESULTS
The log of cumulative exposure with a 15-year lag was a strong predictor of lung cancer (p = 00001) with
consistency across studies (test for heterogeneity p = 034) Results for the log of cumulative exposure were
consistent between underground mines and other facilities Categorical analyses by quintile of cumulative exposure
resulted in a monotonic trend with odds ratios of 10 10 13 15 16 Analyses using a spline curve also showed a
monotonic increase in risk with increasing exposure The estimated excess lifetime risk (through age 75) of lung
cancer for a worker exposed from age 20 to 65 at 01 mgm3 respirable crystalline silica (the permissible level in
many countries) was 11-17 above background risks of 3-6
CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the decision by the IARC to classify inhaled silica in occupational settings as a carcinogen and
suggest that the current exposure limits in many countries may be inadequate These data represent the first
quantitative exposure-response analysis and risk assessment for silica using data from multiple studies
Comment in
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)785-7
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)779-80 author reply 781-2
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)783-4 author reply 785
PMID
11714104
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
Review
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalstandards
Carcinogens Environmentaladverse effects
Cohort Studies
Diatomaceous Earthadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Goldadverse effects
Humans
Linear Models
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Maximum Allowable Concentration
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Risk Assessment
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidestandards
Silicosiscomplications
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Carcinogens Environmental
granite
Diatomaceous Earth
Gold
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2001 Jul58(7)467-71
Radiological progression and its predictive risk factors in silicosis
Lee HS Phoon WH Ng TP
Source
Department of Occupational Health Ministry of Manpower 18 Havelock Road 05-01 Singapore 059764
lee_hock_siangmomgovsg
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the risk factors predicting radiological progression in silicosis in a prospective cohort study of patients
with silicosis who were previously exposed to silica from granite dust
METHODS
From among a total of 260 patients with silicosis contracted from granite work 141 with available serial chest x ray
films of acceptable quality taken over a period of 2 to 17 (mean 75) years were selected for study Ninety four
(667) had ended exposure 5 or more years previously (mean 101 years maximum 28 years) Radiological
progression was assessed by paired comparison of the initial and most recent radiographs with two or more steps of
increase in profusion of small opacities according to the 12 point scale of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis taken from the majority reading by a panel of three independent
readers
RESULTS
Overall 37 of patients with silicosis had radiological evidence of progression From the initial radiographs 24
(316) of those with radiological profusion category 1 15 (375) of those with radiological profusion category 2
and 13 (52) of those with complicated silicosis (including all seven with category 3 profusion of small opacities)
showed radiological progression As expected progression was more likely to be found after longer periods of follow
up (the interval between the two chest x ray films) with a 20 increased odds of progression for every additional year
of follow up After adjustment for varying intervals of follow up the probability of radiological progression was found to
be significant if large opacities were present in the initial chest x ray film Progression was also less likely to be found
among those who had ended exposure to silica longer ago although the result was of borderline significance
(p=007) Tuberculosis was also associated with increased likelihood of progression (borderline significance)
CONCLUSIONS
There is a high probability of radiological progression in silicosis after high levels of exposure to granite dust among
workers who were followed up for up to 17 years A significant risk factor is the extent of radiological opacities in the
initial chest x ray film The probability of progression is also likely to be reduced with longer periods after the end of
exposure
PMID
11404452
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1740153
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Disease Progression
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Exposurestatistics amp numerical data
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Silicosispathology
Silicosisradiography
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
J Occup Environ Med 2001 Apr43(4)412-7
Radiographic abnormalities in long-tenure Vermont granite workers and the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica
Graham WG Vacek PM Morgan WK Muir DC Sisco-Cheng B
Source
Pulmonary Division Department of Medicine University of Vermont College of Medicine 420 Lake Road Charlotte
VT 05445 USA
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities consistent with silicosis in a
group of 600 retired granite workers who were receiving pensions Files of regional clinics and hospitals were
searched for chest radiographs taken on these men and 470 x-ray films suitable for interpretation were located After
exclusions (women and men who had worked in the granite industry elsewhere) 408 x-ray films were independently
read by three experienced readers using the 1980 International Labour Office scheme Dust exposures were
estimated for workers hired after 1940 when the dust-control standard of 10 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf)
(equivalent to 01 mgm3) was put in place and monitored by the Vermont Division of Industrial Hygiene Dust levels
were initially high but were gradually reduced from 1940 to 1954 after which average quartz exposures stabilized to a
mean of approximately 005 to 006 mgm3 however about 10 to 15 of samples after 1954 exceeded 01 mgm3
Of the 408 x-ray films 58 were taken on workers hired before dust controls were instituted in 1940 and 259
showed abnormalities (a profusion score of 10 or greater) A total of 350 x-ray films were taken on workers hired in
1940 or after and the prevalence in this group was 57 The radiographic changes in workers hired after 1940 are
likely due to excessive exposures during the first 15 years of dust control We conclude that if the exposure standard
of 01 mgm3 is rigorously observed in the workplace radiographic abnormalities caused by quartz dust in long-term
workers will be rare
Comment in
J Occup Environ Med 2002 Apr44(4)308 author reply 308-9
PMID
11322102
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Threshold Limit Values
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Sep14(9)577-82
Silica exposure during granite countertop fabrication
Simcox NJ Lofgren D Leons J Camp J
Source
University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group Seattle 98195-4695 USA
PMID
10510518
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Causality
Confounding Factors (Epidemiology)
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Life Tables
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Poisson Distribution
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 2002 Jun17(6)424-9
An evaluation of compliance with occupational exposure limits for crystalline silica (quartz) in ten Georgia granite sheds
Wickman AR Middendorf PJ
Source
Electro-Optics Environmental and Materials Laboratory Georgia Tech Research Institute Atlanta USA
Abstract
Since the 1920s industrial hygiene studies have documented granite shed workers exposures to crystalline silica
and the data from these studies have contributed to a better understanding of the relationship between silica
exposures and adverse health effects such as silicosis The majority of these studies were conducted in the Barre
Vermont granite sheds However a second major granite processing region is located in Elberton Georgia where
approximately 1800 workers are employed in 150 granite sheds and 45 quarries The current study reports the
exposures of 40 workers in 10 granite sheds in Elberton Georgia The arithmetic mean exposure to silica for all
monitored employees was 0052 mgm3 Employees were classified into one of seven job task groups The job task
group with the greatest exposure was the top polish group which had a mean exposure of 0085 mgm3 Among the
top polish workers the greatest percentage of exposures above the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations
permissible exposure limit (OSHA PEL) occurred among the workers who used dry grinders Wet methods were
effective in reducing these exposures to below the OSHA PEL The mean exposure of Elberton granite shed workers
was less than the OSHA PEL but was not below the threshold limit value of the American Conference of Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH TLV) which was lowered in the year 2000 to 005 mgm3 The Elberton granite shed workers
provide a valuable cohort for research on the effects of exposure to crystalline silica at levels between the ACGIH
TLV and the OSHA PEL They are a relatively permanent worker population are concentrated geographically and
have a quantitatively documented exposure to crystalline silica over the past twenty years
PMID
12049432
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
MeSH Terms
Environmental Monitoring
Georgia
Guideline Adherence
Humans
Job Description
Occupational Exposure
Public Policy
Reference Values
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
United States
United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)773-84
Pooled exposure-response analyses and risk assessment for lung cancer in 10 cohorts of silica-exposed workers an IARC multicentre study
Steenland K Mannetje A Boffetta P Stayner L Attfield M Chen J Dosemeci M DeKlerk N Hnizdo E Koskela R
Checkoway H International Agency for Research on Cancer
Source
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati USA nsteenlandcdcgov
Erratum in
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)777
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Silica is one of the most common occupational exposures worldwide In 1997 the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) classified inhaled crystalline silica as a human carcinogen (group 1) but acknowledged limitations
in the epidemiologic data including inconsistencies across studies and the lack of extensive exposure-response data
We have conducted a pooled exposure-response analysis of 10 silica-exposed cohorts to investigate lung cancer
METHODS
The pooled cohort included 65980 workers (44160 miners 21820 nominees) and 1072 lung cancer deaths (663
miners 409 nonminers) Follow-up has been extended for five of these cohorts beyond published data Quantitative
exposure estimates by job and calendar time were adopted modified or developed to permit common analyses by
respirable silica (mgm3) across cohorts
RESULTS
The log of cumulative exposure with a 15-year lag was a strong predictor of lung cancer (p = 00001) with
consistency across studies (test for heterogeneity p = 034) Results for the log of cumulative exposure were
consistent between underground mines and other facilities Categorical analyses by quintile of cumulative exposure
resulted in a monotonic trend with odds ratios of 10 10 13 15 16 Analyses using a spline curve also showed a
monotonic increase in risk with increasing exposure The estimated excess lifetime risk (through age 75) of lung
cancer for a worker exposed from age 20 to 65 at 01 mgm3 respirable crystalline silica (the permissible level in
many countries) was 11-17 above background risks of 3-6
CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the decision by the IARC to classify inhaled silica in occupational settings as a carcinogen and
suggest that the current exposure limits in many countries may be inadequate These data represent the first
quantitative exposure-response analysis and risk assessment for silica using data from multiple studies
Comment in
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)785-7
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)779-80 author reply 781-2
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)783-4 author reply 785
PMID
11714104
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
Review
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalstandards
Carcinogens Environmentaladverse effects
Cohort Studies
Diatomaceous Earthadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Goldadverse effects
Humans
Linear Models
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Maximum Allowable Concentration
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Risk Assessment
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidestandards
Silicosiscomplications
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Carcinogens Environmental
granite
Diatomaceous Earth
Gold
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2001 Jul58(7)467-71
Radiological progression and its predictive risk factors in silicosis
Lee HS Phoon WH Ng TP
Source
Department of Occupational Health Ministry of Manpower 18 Havelock Road 05-01 Singapore 059764
lee_hock_siangmomgovsg
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the risk factors predicting radiological progression in silicosis in a prospective cohort study of patients
with silicosis who were previously exposed to silica from granite dust
METHODS
From among a total of 260 patients with silicosis contracted from granite work 141 with available serial chest x ray
films of acceptable quality taken over a period of 2 to 17 (mean 75) years were selected for study Ninety four
(667) had ended exposure 5 or more years previously (mean 101 years maximum 28 years) Radiological
progression was assessed by paired comparison of the initial and most recent radiographs with two or more steps of
increase in profusion of small opacities according to the 12 point scale of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis taken from the majority reading by a panel of three independent
readers
RESULTS
Overall 37 of patients with silicosis had radiological evidence of progression From the initial radiographs 24
(316) of those with radiological profusion category 1 15 (375) of those with radiological profusion category 2
and 13 (52) of those with complicated silicosis (including all seven with category 3 profusion of small opacities)
showed radiological progression As expected progression was more likely to be found after longer periods of follow
up (the interval between the two chest x ray films) with a 20 increased odds of progression for every additional year
of follow up After adjustment for varying intervals of follow up the probability of radiological progression was found to
be significant if large opacities were present in the initial chest x ray film Progression was also less likely to be found
among those who had ended exposure to silica longer ago although the result was of borderline significance
(p=007) Tuberculosis was also associated with increased likelihood of progression (borderline significance)
CONCLUSIONS
There is a high probability of radiological progression in silicosis after high levels of exposure to granite dust among
workers who were followed up for up to 17 years A significant risk factor is the extent of radiological opacities in the
initial chest x ray film The probability of progression is also likely to be reduced with longer periods after the end of
exposure
PMID
11404452
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1740153
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Disease Progression
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Exposurestatistics amp numerical data
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Silicosispathology
Silicosisradiography
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
J Occup Environ Med 2001 Apr43(4)412-7
Radiographic abnormalities in long-tenure Vermont granite workers and the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica
Graham WG Vacek PM Morgan WK Muir DC Sisco-Cheng B
Source
Pulmonary Division Department of Medicine University of Vermont College of Medicine 420 Lake Road Charlotte
VT 05445 USA
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities consistent with silicosis in a
group of 600 retired granite workers who were receiving pensions Files of regional clinics and hospitals were
searched for chest radiographs taken on these men and 470 x-ray films suitable for interpretation were located After
exclusions (women and men who had worked in the granite industry elsewhere) 408 x-ray films were independently
read by three experienced readers using the 1980 International Labour Office scheme Dust exposures were
estimated for workers hired after 1940 when the dust-control standard of 10 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf)
(equivalent to 01 mgm3) was put in place and monitored by the Vermont Division of Industrial Hygiene Dust levels
were initially high but were gradually reduced from 1940 to 1954 after which average quartz exposures stabilized to a
mean of approximately 005 to 006 mgm3 however about 10 to 15 of samples after 1954 exceeded 01 mgm3
Of the 408 x-ray films 58 were taken on workers hired before dust controls were instituted in 1940 and 259
showed abnormalities (a profusion score of 10 or greater) A total of 350 x-ray films were taken on workers hired in
1940 or after and the prevalence in this group was 57 The radiographic changes in workers hired after 1940 are
likely due to excessive exposures during the first 15 years of dust control We conclude that if the exposure standard
of 01 mgm3 is rigorously observed in the workplace radiographic abnormalities caused by quartz dust in long-term
workers will be rare
Comment in
J Occup Environ Med 2002 Apr44(4)308 author reply 308-9
PMID
11322102
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Threshold Limit Values
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Sep14(9)577-82
Silica exposure during granite countertop fabrication
Simcox NJ Lofgren D Leons J Camp J
Source
University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group Seattle 98195-4695 USA
PMID
10510518
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Vermont granite sheds However a second major granite processing region is located in Elberton Georgia where
approximately 1800 workers are employed in 150 granite sheds and 45 quarries The current study reports the
exposures of 40 workers in 10 granite sheds in Elberton Georgia The arithmetic mean exposure to silica for all
monitored employees was 0052 mgm3 Employees were classified into one of seven job task groups The job task
group with the greatest exposure was the top polish group which had a mean exposure of 0085 mgm3 Among the
top polish workers the greatest percentage of exposures above the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations
permissible exposure limit (OSHA PEL) occurred among the workers who used dry grinders Wet methods were
effective in reducing these exposures to below the OSHA PEL The mean exposure of Elberton granite shed workers
was less than the OSHA PEL but was not below the threshold limit value of the American Conference of Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH TLV) which was lowered in the year 2000 to 005 mgm3 The Elberton granite shed workers
provide a valuable cohort for research on the effects of exposure to crystalline silica at levels between the ACGIH
TLV and the OSHA PEL They are a relatively permanent worker population are concentrated geographically and
have a quantitatively documented exposure to crystalline silica over the past twenty years
PMID
12049432
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
MeSH Terms
Environmental Monitoring
Georgia
Guideline Adherence
Humans
Job Description
Occupational Exposure
Public Policy
Reference Values
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
United States
United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)773-84
Pooled exposure-response analyses and risk assessment for lung cancer in 10 cohorts of silica-exposed workers an IARC multicentre study
Steenland K Mannetje A Boffetta P Stayner L Attfield M Chen J Dosemeci M DeKlerk N Hnizdo E Koskela R
Checkoway H International Agency for Research on Cancer
Source
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati USA nsteenlandcdcgov
Erratum in
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)777
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Silica is one of the most common occupational exposures worldwide In 1997 the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) classified inhaled crystalline silica as a human carcinogen (group 1) but acknowledged limitations
in the epidemiologic data including inconsistencies across studies and the lack of extensive exposure-response data
We have conducted a pooled exposure-response analysis of 10 silica-exposed cohorts to investigate lung cancer
METHODS
The pooled cohort included 65980 workers (44160 miners 21820 nominees) and 1072 lung cancer deaths (663
miners 409 nonminers) Follow-up has been extended for five of these cohorts beyond published data Quantitative
exposure estimates by job and calendar time were adopted modified or developed to permit common analyses by
respirable silica (mgm3) across cohorts
RESULTS
The log of cumulative exposure with a 15-year lag was a strong predictor of lung cancer (p = 00001) with
consistency across studies (test for heterogeneity p = 034) Results for the log of cumulative exposure were
consistent between underground mines and other facilities Categorical analyses by quintile of cumulative exposure
resulted in a monotonic trend with odds ratios of 10 10 13 15 16 Analyses using a spline curve also showed a
monotonic increase in risk with increasing exposure The estimated excess lifetime risk (through age 75) of lung
cancer for a worker exposed from age 20 to 65 at 01 mgm3 respirable crystalline silica (the permissible level in
many countries) was 11-17 above background risks of 3-6
CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the decision by the IARC to classify inhaled silica in occupational settings as a carcinogen and
suggest that the current exposure limits in many countries may be inadequate These data represent the first
quantitative exposure-response analysis and risk assessment for silica using data from multiple studies
Comment in
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)785-7
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)779-80 author reply 781-2
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)783-4 author reply 785
PMID
11714104
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
Review
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalstandards
Carcinogens Environmentaladverse effects
Cohort Studies
Diatomaceous Earthadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Goldadverse effects
Humans
Linear Models
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Maximum Allowable Concentration
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Risk Assessment
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidestandards
Silicosiscomplications
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Carcinogens Environmental
granite
Diatomaceous Earth
Gold
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2001 Jul58(7)467-71
Radiological progression and its predictive risk factors in silicosis
Lee HS Phoon WH Ng TP
Source
Department of Occupational Health Ministry of Manpower 18 Havelock Road 05-01 Singapore 059764
lee_hock_siangmomgovsg
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the risk factors predicting radiological progression in silicosis in a prospective cohort study of patients
with silicosis who were previously exposed to silica from granite dust
METHODS
From among a total of 260 patients with silicosis contracted from granite work 141 with available serial chest x ray
films of acceptable quality taken over a period of 2 to 17 (mean 75) years were selected for study Ninety four
(667) had ended exposure 5 or more years previously (mean 101 years maximum 28 years) Radiological
progression was assessed by paired comparison of the initial and most recent radiographs with two or more steps of
increase in profusion of small opacities according to the 12 point scale of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis taken from the majority reading by a panel of three independent
readers
RESULTS
Overall 37 of patients with silicosis had radiological evidence of progression From the initial radiographs 24
(316) of those with radiological profusion category 1 15 (375) of those with radiological profusion category 2
and 13 (52) of those with complicated silicosis (including all seven with category 3 profusion of small opacities)
showed radiological progression As expected progression was more likely to be found after longer periods of follow
up (the interval between the two chest x ray films) with a 20 increased odds of progression for every additional year
of follow up After adjustment for varying intervals of follow up the probability of radiological progression was found to
be significant if large opacities were present in the initial chest x ray film Progression was also less likely to be found
among those who had ended exposure to silica longer ago although the result was of borderline significance
(p=007) Tuberculosis was also associated with increased likelihood of progression (borderline significance)
CONCLUSIONS
There is a high probability of radiological progression in silicosis after high levels of exposure to granite dust among
workers who were followed up for up to 17 years A significant risk factor is the extent of radiological opacities in the
initial chest x ray film The probability of progression is also likely to be reduced with longer periods after the end of
exposure
PMID
11404452
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1740153
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Disease Progression
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Exposurestatistics amp numerical data
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Silicosispathology
Silicosisradiography
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
J Occup Environ Med 2001 Apr43(4)412-7
Radiographic abnormalities in long-tenure Vermont granite workers and the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica
Graham WG Vacek PM Morgan WK Muir DC Sisco-Cheng B
Source
Pulmonary Division Department of Medicine University of Vermont College of Medicine 420 Lake Road Charlotte
VT 05445 USA
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities consistent with silicosis in a
group of 600 retired granite workers who were receiving pensions Files of regional clinics and hospitals were
searched for chest radiographs taken on these men and 470 x-ray films suitable for interpretation were located After
exclusions (women and men who had worked in the granite industry elsewhere) 408 x-ray films were independently
read by three experienced readers using the 1980 International Labour Office scheme Dust exposures were
estimated for workers hired after 1940 when the dust-control standard of 10 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf)
(equivalent to 01 mgm3) was put in place and monitored by the Vermont Division of Industrial Hygiene Dust levels
were initially high but were gradually reduced from 1940 to 1954 after which average quartz exposures stabilized to a
mean of approximately 005 to 006 mgm3 however about 10 to 15 of samples after 1954 exceeded 01 mgm3
Of the 408 x-ray films 58 were taken on workers hired before dust controls were instituted in 1940 and 259
showed abnormalities (a profusion score of 10 or greater) A total of 350 x-ray films were taken on workers hired in
1940 or after and the prevalence in this group was 57 The radiographic changes in workers hired after 1940 are
likely due to excessive exposures during the first 15 years of dust control We conclude that if the exposure standard
of 01 mgm3 is rigorously observed in the workplace radiographic abnormalities caused by quartz dust in long-term
workers will be rare
Comment in
J Occup Environ Med 2002 Apr44(4)308 author reply 308-9
PMID
11322102
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Threshold Limit Values
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Sep14(9)577-82
Silica exposure during granite countertop fabrication
Simcox NJ Lofgren D Leons J Camp J
Source
University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group Seattle 98195-4695 USA
PMID
10510518
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)773-84
Pooled exposure-response analyses and risk assessment for lung cancer in 10 cohorts of silica-exposed workers an IARC multicentre study
Steenland K Mannetje A Boffetta P Stayner L Attfield M Chen J Dosemeci M DeKlerk N Hnizdo E Koskela R
Checkoway H International Agency for Research on Cancer
Source
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati USA nsteenlandcdcgov
Erratum in
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)777
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Silica is one of the most common occupational exposures worldwide In 1997 the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) classified inhaled crystalline silica as a human carcinogen (group 1) but acknowledged limitations
in the epidemiologic data including inconsistencies across studies and the lack of extensive exposure-response data
We have conducted a pooled exposure-response analysis of 10 silica-exposed cohorts to investigate lung cancer
METHODS
The pooled cohort included 65980 workers (44160 miners 21820 nominees) and 1072 lung cancer deaths (663
miners 409 nonminers) Follow-up has been extended for five of these cohorts beyond published data Quantitative
exposure estimates by job and calendar time were adopted modified or developed to permit common analyses by
respirable silica (mgm3) across cohorts
RESULTS
The log of cumulative exposure with a 15-year lag was a strong predictor of lung cancer (p = 00001) with
consistency across studies (test for heterogeneity p = 034) Results for the log of cumulative exposure were
consistent between underground mines and other facilities Categorical analyses by quintile of cumulative exposure
resulted in a monotonic trend with odds ratios of 10 10 13 15 16 Analyses using a spline curve also showed a
monotonic increase in risk with increasing exposure The estimated excess lifetime risk (through age 75) of lung
cancer for a worker exposed from age 20 to 65 at 01 mgm3 respirable crystalline silica (the permissible level in
many countries) was 11-17 above background risks of 3-6
CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the decision by the IARC to classify inhaled silica in occupational settings as a carcinogen and
suggest that the current exposure limits in many countries may be inadequate These data represent the first
quantitative exposure-response analysis and risk assessment for silica using data from multiple studies
Comment in
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)785-7
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)779-80 author reply 781-2
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)783-4 author reply 785
PMID
11714104
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
Review
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalstandards
Carcinogens Environmentaladverse effects
Cohort Studies
Diatomaceous Earthadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Goldadverse effects
Humans
Linear Models
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Maximum Allowable Concentration
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Risk Assessment
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidestandards
Silicosiscomplications
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Carcinogens Environmental
granite
Diatomaceous Earth
Gold
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2001 Jul58(7)467-71
Radiological progression and its predictive risk factors in silicosis
Lee HS Phoon WH Ng TP
Source
Department of Occupational Health Ministry of Manpower 18 Havelock Road 05-01 Singapore 059764
lee_hock_siangmomgovsg
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the risk factors predicting radiological progression in silicosis in a prospective cohort study of patients
with silicosis who were previously exposed to silica from granite dust
METHODS
From among a total of 260 patients with silicosis contracted from granite work 141 with available serial chest x ray
films of acceptable quality taken over a period of 2 to 17 (mean 75) years were selected for study Ninety four
(667) had ended exposure 5 or more years previously (mean 101 years maximum 28 years) Radiological
progression was assessed by paired comparison of the initial and most recent radiographs with two or more steps of
increase in profusion of small opacities according to the 12 point scale of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis taken from the majority reading by a panel of three independent
readers
RESULTS
Overall 37 of patients with silicosis had radiological evidence of progression From the initial radiographs 24
(316) of those with radiological profusion category 1 15 (375) of those with radiological profusion category 2
and 13 (52) of those with complicated silicosis (including all seven with category 3 profusion of small opacities)
showed radiological progression As expected progression was more likely to be found after longer periods of follow
up (the interval between the two chest x ray films) with a 20 increased odds of progression for every additional year
of follow up After adjustment for varying intervals of follow up the probability of radiological progression was found to
be significant if large opacities were present in the initial chest x ray film Progression was also less likely to be found
among those who had ended exposure to silica longer ago although the result was of borderline significance
(p=007) Tuberculosis was also associated with increased likelihood of progression (borderline significance)
CONCLUSIONS
There is a high probability of radiological progression in silicosis after high levels of exposure to granite dust among
workers who were followed up for up to 17 years A significant risk factor is the extent of radiological opacities in the
initial chest x ray film The probability of progression is also likely to be reduced with longer periods after the end of
exposure
PMID
11404452
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1740153
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Disease Progression
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Exposurestatistics amp numerical data
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Silicosispathology
Silicosisradiography
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
J Occup Environ Med 2001 Apr43(4)412-7
Radiographic abnormalities in long-tenure Vermont granite workers and the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica
Graham WG Vacek PM Morgan WK Muir DC Sisco-Cheng B
Source
Pulmonary Division Department of Medicine University of Vermont College of Medicine 420 Lake Road Charlotte
VT 05445 USA
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities consistent with silicosis in a
group of 600 retired granite workers who were receiving pensions Files of regional clinics and hospitals were
searched for chest radiographs taken on these men and 470 x-ray films suitable for interpretation were located After
exclusions (women and men who had worked in the granite industry elsewhere) 408 x-ray films were independently
read by three experienced readers using the 1980 International Labour Office scheme Dust exposures were
estimated for workers hired after 1940 when the dust-control standard of 10 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf)
(equivalent to 01 mgm3) was put in place and monitored by the Vermont Division of Industrial Hygiene Dust levels
were initially high but were gradually reduced from 1940 to 1954 after which average quartz exposures stabilized to a
mean of approximately 005 to 006 mgm3 however about 10 to 15 of samples after 1954 exceeded 01 mgm3
Of the 408 x-ray films 58 were taken on workers hired before dust controls were instituted in 1940 and 259
showed abnormalities (a profusion score of 10 or greater) A total of 350 x-ray films were taken on workers hired in
1940 or after and the prevalence in this group was 57 The radiographic changes in workers hired after 1940 are
likely due to excessive exposures during the first 15 years of dust control We conclude that if the exposure standard
of 01 mgm3 is rigorously observed in the workplace radiographic abnormalities caused by quartz dust in long-term
workers will be rare
Comment in
J Occup Environ Med 2002 Apr44(4)308 author reply 308-9
PMID
11322102
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Threshold Limit Values
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Sep14(9)577-82
Silica exposure during granite countertop fabrication
Simcox NJ Lofgren D Leons J Camp J
Source
University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group Seattle 98195-4695 USA
PMID
10510518
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
RESULTS
The log of cumulative exposure with a 15-year lag was a strong predictor of lung cancer (p = 00001) with
consistency across studies (test for heterogeneity p = 034) Results for the log of cumulative exposure were
consistent between underground mines and other facilities Categorical analyses by quintile of cumulative exposure
resulted in a monotonic trend with odds ratios of 10 10 13 15 16 Analyses using a spline curve also showed a
monotonic increase in risk with increasing exposure The estimated excess lifetime risk (through age 75) of lung
cancer for a worker exposed from age 20 to 65 at 01 mgm3 respirable crystalline silica (the permissible level in
many countries) was 11-17 above background risks of 3-6
CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the decision by the IARC to classify inhaled silica in occupational settings as a carcinogen and
suggest that the current exposure limits in many countries may be inadequate These data represent the first
quantitative exposure-response analysis and risk assessment for silica using data from multiple studies
Comment in
Cancer Causes Control 2001 Nov12(9)785-7
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)779-80 author reply 781-2
Cancer Causes Control 2002 Oct13(8)783-4 author reply 785
PMID
11714104
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
Review
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalstandards
Carcinogens Environmentaladverse effects
Cohort Studies
Diatomaceous Earthadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Goldadverse effects
Humans
Linear Models
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Maximum Allowable Concentration
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Risk Assessment
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidestandards
Silicosiscomplications
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Carcinogens Environmental
granite
Diatomaceous Earth
Gold
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2001 Jul58(7)467-71
Radiological progression and its predictive risk factors in silicosis
Lee HS Phoon WH Ng TP
Source
Department of Occupational Health Ministry of Manpower 18 Havelock Road 05-01 Singapore 059764
lee_hock_siangmomgovsg
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the risk factors predicting radiological progression in silicosis in a prospective cohort study of patients
with silicosis who were previously exposed to silica from granite dust
METHODS
From among a total of 260 patients with silicosis contracted from granite work 141 with available serial chest x ray
films of acceptable quality taken over a period of 2 to 17 (mean 75) years were selected for study Ninety four
(667) had ended exposure 5 or more years previously (mean 101 years maximum 28 years) Radiological
progression was assessed by paired comparison of the initial and most recent radiographs with two or more steps of
increase in profusion of small opacities according to the 12 point scale of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis taken from the majority reading by a panel of three independent
readers
RESULTS
Overall 37 of patients with silicosis had radiological evidence of progression From the initial radiographs 24
(316) of those with radiological profusion category 1 15 (375) of those with radiological profusion category 2
and 13 (52) of those with complicated silicosis (including all seven with category 3 profusion of small opacities)
showed radiological progression As expected progression was more likely to be found after longer periods of follow
up (the interval between the two chest x ray films) with a 20 increased odds of progression for every additional year
of follow up After adjustment for varying intervals of follow up the probability of radiological progression was found to
be significant if large opacities were present in the initial chest x ray film Progression was also less likely to be found
among those who had ended exposure to silica longer ago although the result was of borderline significance
(p=007) Tuberculosis was also associated with increased likelihood of progression (borderline significance)
CONCLUSIONS
There is a high probability of radiological progression in silicosis after high levels of exposure to granite dust among
workers who were followed up for up to 17 years A significant risk factor is the extent of radiological opacities in the
initial chest x ray film The probability of progression is also likely to be reduced with longer periods after the end of
exposure
PMID
11404452
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1740153
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Disease Progression
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Exposurestatistics amp numerical data
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Silicosispathology
Silicosisradiography
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
J Occup Environ Med 2001 Apr43(4)412-7
Radiographic abnormalities in long-tenure Vermont granite workers and the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica
Graham WG Vacek PM Morgan WK Muir DC Sisco-Cheng B
Source
Pulmonary Division Department of Medicine University of Vermont College of Medicine 420 Lake Road Charlotte
VT 05445 USA
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities consistent with silicosis in a
group of 600 retired granite workers who were receiving pensions Files of regional clinics and hospitals were
searched for chest radiographs taken on these men and 470 x-ray films suitable for interpretation were located After
exclusions (women and men who had worked in the granite industry elsewhere) 408 x-ray films were independently
read by three experienced readers using the 1980 International Labour Office scheme Dust exposures were
estimated for workers hired after 1940 when the dust-control standard of 10 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf)
(equivalent to 01 mgm3) was put in place and monitored by the Vermont Division of Industrial Hygiene Dust levels
were initially high but were gradually reduced from 1940 to 1954 after which average quartz exposures stabilized to a
mean of approximately 005 to 006 mgm3 however about 10 to 15 of samples after 1954 exceeded 01 mgm3
Of the 408 x-ray films 58 were taken on workers hired before dust controls were instituted in 1940 and 259
showed abnormalities (a profusion score of 10 or greater) A total of 350 x-ray films were taken on workers hired in
1940 or after and the prevalence in this group was 57 The radiographic changes in workers hired after 1940 are
likely due to excessive exposures during the first 15 years of dust control We conclude that if the exposure standard
of 01 mgm3 is rigorously observed in the workplace radiographic abnormalities caused by quartz dust in long-term
workers will be rare
Comment in
J Occup Environ Med 2002 Apr44(4)308 author reply 308-9
PMID
11322102
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Threshold Limit Values
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Sep14(9)577-82
Silica exposure during granite countertop fabrication
Simcox NJ Lofgren D Leons J Camp J
Source
University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group Seattle 98195-4695 USA
PMID
10510518
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalstandards
Carcinogens Environmentaladverse effects
Cohort Studies
Diatomaceous Earthadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Goldadverse effects
Humans
Linear Models
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Maximum Allowable Concentration
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Risk Assessment
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxidestandards
Silicosiscomplications
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Carcinogens Environmental
granite
Diatomaceous Earth
Gold
Silicon Dioxide
Occup Environ Med 2001 Jul58(7)467-71
Radiological progression and its predictive risk factors in silicosis
Lee HS Phoon WH Ng TP
Source
Department of Occupational Health Ministry of Manpower 18 Havelock Road 05-01 Singapore 059764
lee_hock_siangmomgovsg
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the risk factors predicting radiological progression in silicosis in a prospective cohort study of patients
with silicosis who were previously exposed to silica from granite dust
METHODS
From among a total of 260 patients with silicosis contracted from granite work 141 with available serial chest x ray
films of acceptable quality taken over a period of 2 to 17 (mean 75) years were selected for study Ninety four
(667) had ended exposure 5 or more years previously (mean 101 years maximum 28 years) Radiological
progression was assessed by paired comparison of the initial and most recent radiographs with two or more steps of
increase in profusion of small opacities according to the 12 point scale of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis taken from the majority reading by a panel of three independent
readers
RESULTS
Overall 37 of patients with silicosis had radiological evidence of progression From the initial radiographs 24
(316) of those with radiological profusion category 1 15 (375) of those with radiological profusion category 2
and 13 (52) of those with complicated silicosis (including all seven with category 3 profusion of small opacities)
showed radiological progression As expected progression was more likely to be found after longer periods of follow
up (the interval between the two chest x ray films) with a 20 increased odds of progression for every additional year
of follow up After adjustment for varying intervals of follow up the probability of radiological progression was found to
be significant if large opacities were present in the initial chest x ray film Progression was also less likely to be found
among those who had ended exposure to silica longer ago although the result was of borderline significance
(p=007) Tuberculosis was also associated with increased likelihood of progression (borderline significance)
CONCLUSIONS
There is a high probability of radiological progression in silicosis after high levels of exposure to granite dust among
workers who were followed up for up to 17 years A significant risk factor is the extent of radiological opacities in the
initial chest x ray film The probability of progression is also likely to be reduced with longer periods after the end of
exposure
PMID
11404452
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1740153
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Disease Progression
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Exposurestatistics amp numerical data
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Silicosispathology
Silicosisradiography
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
J Occup Environ Med 2001 Apr43(4)412-7
Radiographic abnormalities in long-tenure Vermont granite workers and the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica
Graham WG Vacek PM Morgan WK Muir DC Sisco-Cheng B
Source
Pulmonary Division Department of Medicine University of Vermont College of Medicine 420 Lake Road Charlotte
VT 05445 USA
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities consistent with silicosis in a
group of 600 retired granite workers who were receiving pensions Files of regional clinics and hospitals were
searched for chest radiographs taken on these men and 470 x-ray films suitable for interpretation were located After
exclusions (women and men who had worked in the granite industry elsewhere) 408 x-ray films were independently
read by three experienced readers using the 1980 International Labour Office scheme Dust exposures were
estimated for workers hired after 1940 when the dust-control standard of 10 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf)
(equivalent to 01 mgm3) was put in place and monitored by the Vermont Division of Industrial Hygiene Dust levels
were initially high but were gradually reduced from 1940 to 1954 after which average quartz exposures stabilized to a
mean of approximately 005 to 006 mgm3 however about 10 to 15 of samples after 1954 exceeded 01 mgm3
Of the 408 x-ray films 58 were taken on workers hired before dust controls were instituted in 1940 and 259
showed abnormalities (a profusion score of 10 or greater) A total of 350 x-ray films were taken on workers hired in
1940 or after and the prevalence in this group was 57 The radiographic changes in workers hired after 1940 are
likely due to excessive exposures during the first 15 years of dust control We conclude that if the exposure standard
of 01 mgm3 is rigorously observed in the workplace radiographic abnormalities caused by quartz dust in long-term
workers will be rare
Comment in
J Occup Environ Med 2002 Apr44(4)308 author reply 308-9
PMID
11322102
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Threshold Limit Values
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Sep14(9)577-82
Silica exposure during granite countertop fabrication
Simcox NJ Lofgren D Leons J Camp J
Source
University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group Seattle 98195-4695 USA
PMID
10510518
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
To investigate the risk factors predicting radiological progression in silicosis in a prospective cohort study of patients
with silicosis who were previously exposed to silica from granite dust
METHODS
From among a total of 260 patients with silicosis contracted from granite work 141 with available serial chest x ray
films of acceptable quality taken over a period of 2 to 17 (mean 75) years were selected for study Ninety four
(667) had ended exposure 5 or more years previously (mean 101 years maximum 28 years) Radiological
progression was assessed by paired comparison of the initial and most recent radiographs with two or more steps of
increase in profusion of small opacities according to the 12 point scale of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
classification of radiographs of pneumoconiosis taken from the majority reading by a panel of three independent
readers
RESULTS
Overall 37 of patients with silicosis had radiological evidence of progression From the initial radiographs 24
(316) of those with radiological profusion category 1 15 (375) of those with radiological profusion category 2
and 13 (52) of those with complicated silicosis (including all seven with category 3 profusion of small opacities)
showed radiological progression As expected progression was more likely to be found after longer periods of follow
up (the interval between the two chest x ray films) with a 20 increased odds of progression for every additional year
of follow up After adjustment for varying intervals of follow up the probability of radiological progression was found to
be significant if large opacities were present in the initial chest x ray film Progression was also less likely to be found
among those who had ended exposure to silica longer ago although the result was of borderline significance
(p=007) Tuberculosis was also associated with increased likelihood of progression (borderline significance)
CONCLUSIONS
There is a high probability of radiological progression in silicosis after high levels of exposure to granite dust among
workers who were followed up for up to 17 years A significant risk factor is the extent of radiological opacities in the
initial chest x ray film The probability of progression is also likely to be reduced with longer periods after the end of
exposure
PMID
11404452
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1740153
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Disease Progression
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Exposurestatistics amp numerical data
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Silicosispathology
Silicosisradiography
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
J Occup Environ Med 2001 Apr43(4)412-7
Radiographic abnormalities in long-tenure Vermont granite workers and the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica
Graham WG Vacek PM Morgan WK Muir DC Sisco-Cheng B
Source
Pulmonary Division Department of Medicine University of Vermont College of Medicine 420 Lake Road Charlotte
VT 05445 USA
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities consistent with silicosis in a
group of 600 retired granite workers who were receiving pensions Files of regional clinics and hospitals were
searched for chest radiographs taken on these men and 470 x-ray films suitable for interpretation were located After
exclusions (women and men who had worked in the granite industry elsewhere) 408 x-ray films were independently
read by three experienced readers using the 1980 International Labour Office scheme Dust exposures were
estimated for workers hired after 1940 when the dust-control standard of 10 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf)
(equivalent to 01 mgm3) was put in place and monitored by the Vermont Division of Industrial Hygiene Dust levels
were initially high but were gradually reduced from 1940 to 1954 after which average quartz exposures stabilized to a
mean of approximately 005 to 006 mgm3 however about 10 to 15 of samples after 1954 exceeded 01 mgm3
Of the 408 x-ray films 58 were taken on workers hired before dust controls were instituted in 1940 and 259
showed abnormalities (a profusion score of 10 or greater) A total of 350 x-ray films were taken on workers hired in
1940 or after and the prevalence in this group was 57 The radiographic changes in workers hired after 1940 are
likely due to excessive exposures during the first 15 years of dust control We conclude that if the exposure standard
of 01 mgm3 is rigorously observed in the workplace radiographic abnormalities caused by quartz dust in long-term
workers will be rare
Comment in
J Occup Environ Med 2002 Apr44(4)308 author reply 308-9
PMID
11322102
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Threshold Limit Values
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Sep14(9)577-82
Silica exposure during granite countertop fabrication
Simcox NJ Lofgren D Leons J Camp J
Source
University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group Seattle 98195-4695 USA
PMID
10510518
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
PMID
11404452
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1740153
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Disease Progression
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Occupational Exposurestatistics amp numerical data
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Silicosispathology
Silicosisradiography
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
J Occup Environ Med 2001 Apr43(4)412-7
Radiographic abnormalities in long-tenure Vermont granite workers and the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica
Graham WG Vacek PM Morgan WK Muir DC Sisco-Cheng B
Source
Pulmonary Division Department of Medicine University of Vermont College of Medicine 420 Lake Road Charlotte
VT 05445 USA
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities consistent with silicosis in a
group of 600 retired granite workers who were receiving pensions Files of regional clinics and hospitals were
searched for chest radiographs taken on these men and 470 x-ray films suitable for interpretation were located After
exclusions (women and men who had worked in the granite industry elsewhere) 408 x-ray films were independently
read by three experienced readers using the 1980 International Labour Office scheme Dust exposures were
estimated for workers hired after 1940 when the dust-control standard of 10 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf)
(equivalent to 01 mgm3) was put in place and monitored by the Vermont Division of Industrial Hygiene Dust levels
were initially high but were gradually reduced from 1940 to 1954 after which average quartz exposures stabilized to a
mean of approximately 005 to 006 mgm3 however about 10 to 15 of samples after 1954 exceeded 01 mgm3
Of the 408 x-ray films 58 were taken on workers hired before dust controls were instituted in 1940 and 259
showed abnormalities (a profusion score of 10 or greater) A total of 350 x-ray films were taken on workers hired in
1940 or after and the prevalence in this group was 57 The radiographic changes in workers hired after 1940 are
likely due to excessive exposures during the first 15 years of dust control We conclude that if the exposure standard
of 01 mgm3 is rigorously observed in the workplace radiographic abnormalities caused by quartz dust in long-term
workers will be rare
Comment in
J Occup Environ Med 2002 Apr44(4)308 author reply 308-9
PMID
11322102
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Threshold Limit Values
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Sep14(9)577-82
Silica exposure during granite countertop fabrication
Simcox NJ Lofgren D Leons J Camp J
Source
University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group Seattle 98195-4695 USA
PMID
10510518
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities consistent with silicosis in a
group of 600 retired granite workers who were receiving pensions Files of regional clinics and hospitals were
searched for chest radiographs taken on these men and 470 x-ray films suitable for interpretation were located After
exclusions (women and men who had worked in the granite industry elsewhere) 408 x-ray films were independently
read by three experienced readers using the 1980 International Labour Office scheme Dust exposures were
estimated for workers hired after 1940 when the dust-control standard of 10 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf)
(equivalent to 01 mgm3) was put in place and monitored by the Vermont Division of Industrial Hygiene Dust levels
were initially high but were gradually reduced from 1940 to 1954 after which average quartz exposures stabilized to a
mean of approximately 005 to 006 mgm3 however about 10 to 15 of samples after 1954 exceeded 01 mgm3
Of the 408 x-ray films 58 were taken on workers hired before dust controls were instituted in 1940 and 259
showed abnormalities (a profusion score of 10 or greater) A total of 350 x-ray films were taken on workers hired in
1940 or after and the prevalence in this group was 57 The radiographic changes in workers hired after 1940 are
likely due to excessive exposures during the first 15 years of dust control We conclude that if the exposure standard
of 01 mgm3 is rigorously observed in the workplace radiographic abnormalities caused by quartz dust in long-term
workers will be rare
Comment in
J Occup Environ Med 2002 Apr44(4)308 author reply 308-9
PMID
11322102
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Aged
Aged 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Threshold Limit Values
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Sep14(9)577-82
Silica exposure during granite countertop fabrication
Simcox NJ Lofgren D Leons J Camp J
Source
University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group Seattle 98195-4695 USA
PMID
10510518
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Threshold Limit Values
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Sep14(9)577-82
Silica exposure during granite countertop fabrication
Simcox NJ Lofgren D Leons J Camp J
Source
University of Washington Field Research and Consultation Group Seattle 98195-4695 USA
PMID
10510518
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Multicenter Study
MeSH Terms
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Dustanalysis
Equipment Design
Humans
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisprevention amp control
Ventilation
Washington
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Singapore Med J 1996 Apr37(2)160-4
Occupational respiratory diseases in Singapore
Lee HS Phoon WH Wang SY Tan KP
Source
Department of Industrial Health Ministry of Labour Singapore
Abstract
Occupational respiratory disease statistics in Singapore from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed Silicosis was the most
common occupational respiratory disease in the 1970s and 1980s About 78 of the cases were from granite
quarries With progressive reduction in dust levels and the closure of some quarries there has been a decline in
cases From 1990 to 1993 occupational asthma was the most common occupational respiratory disease and more
cases are expected with increasing awareness of the condition The most common causative agent was isocyanates
accounting for about 34 of cases Of the asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma cases about 70-80 were from
the one and only asbestos cement factory With the closure of this factory and the increasing restrictions on the use
of asbestos cases of asbestosis are expected to decline in the long term However malignant mesothelioma cases
may continue to surface because of the long latent period and the potential risk with low and brief exposures to
asbestos It is important to probe for possible occupational exposures (both present and past) in a patient with
respiratory symptoms or disease
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
PMID
8942254
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Data Collection
Humans
Incidence
Occupational Diseasesdiagnosis
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesepidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseasesetiology
Risk Factors
Singaporeepidemiology
Int J Epidemiol 1995 Dec24(6)1154-61
Healthy worker effect in a longitudinal study of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and chronic exposure to granite dust
Eisen EA Wegman DH Louis TA Smith TJ Peters JM
Source
Department of Work Environment University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854 USA
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low level effects of granite dust on one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) are estimated in 618 Vermont
granite workers followed for 5 years with annual pulmonary function tests Reduced pulmonary function has already
been reported for the subset of subjects lost to follow-up (dropouts) suggesting possible bias in analyses based only
on survivors
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
METHOD
Healthy worker selection bias is directly assessed by comparing the dose-response associations between survivors
who remained in the study for the full 5-year observation period and the dropouts
RESULTS
The 353 survivors had an FEV1 of 96 of predicted at baseline and were losing FEV1 at an average rate of 44 mlyr
No association was found in this group between the rate of FEV1 decline and lifetime dust exposure However the
265 workers with incomplete follow-up dropouts had a lower FEV1 at baseline (94) and were losing FEV1 at an
average rate of 69 mlyr The dose-response parameter in this group was estimated to be 4 mlyr loss per mgm3-
year and was statistically significant
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide an illustration of bias due to the healthy worker effect and an example of the failure to detect a
true work-related health effect in a study based only on a survivor population
PMID
8824857
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Healthy Worker Effect
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Population Surveillance
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 P30 ES0002ESNIEHS NIH HHSUnited States
OH-070-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Chest 1994 Jul106(1)125-30
Longitudinal pulmonary function losses in Vermont granite workers A reevaluation
Graham WG Weaver S Ashikaga T OGrady RV
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that excessive losses of FVC and FEV1 were occurring in Vermont granite workers
despite the fact that mean quartz levels existing in the industry were below the current OSHA standard of 100
microgramsm3 We reexamined these losses in granite workers over an 8-year period testing the workforce
biennially from 1979 to 1987 All workers including stone shed quarry and office were offered forced spirometry
using a 10-L water-sealed spirometer (Collins) In the peak year of participation (1983) 887 workers out of a total of
approximately 1400 were tested Estimates of longitudinal loss were based on 711 workers who participated in at
least three of the surveys The mean age of this group was 429 years and the mean years employed was 193
years 214 percent were non-smokers (NS) 342 percent were ex-smokers (ES) and 444 percent were current
smokers (CS) Average annual losses of FVC were 0018 (SD = 0056) L (CS 0025 L NS 0006 L and ES 0016
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
L) Average annual losses of FEV1 were 0030 (SD = 0041) L (CS 0038 L NS 0020 L and ES 0027 L) Analysis
of covariance indicated that losses were related to the initial values for FVC or FEV1 height age and smoking
status After adjusting for these variables the losses of both FVC and FEV1 were not correlated with years employed
in the granite industry No significant differences existed in the loss of FVC or FEV1 in categories of workers
exposed to different levels of granite dust eg office quarry and stone shed workers The annual losses of
pulmonary function were significantly smaller than those estimated previously which were 0070 to 080 L in FVC
and 0050-0070 L in FEV1 We conclude that dust levels in the Vermont granite industry which have been in
conformance with OSHA permissible exposure limits do not accelerate pulmonary function loss
PMID
8020257
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationaladverse effects
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Dustadverse effects
Dustanalysis
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Quartzanalysis
Respiratory Mechanics
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisphysiopathology
Vital Capacity
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
granite
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
NIOSH 5 R01 OH0135-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
[Silicosis in the granite industry]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda E Siboacuten JM Valle M
PMID
8149079
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Letter
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Mining
Prevalence
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1993 Oct50(10)907-12
Further evidence of human silica nephrotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers
Ng TP Lee HS Phoon WH
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
It has previously been shown that granite workers with heavy exposure to silica had glomerular and proximal tubular
dysfunction evidenced by increased urinary excretions of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) and beta-N-acetyl-
glucosaminidase (NAG) The investigation was replicated in another group of granite workers to further elucidate the
exposure effect relation The urinary excretion of albumin alpha-1-microglobulin (AMG) beta-2-microglobulin (BMG)
and beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) was determined in two groups of granite workers with low and high
exposure to silica Low molecular weight proteinuria and enzymuria were significantly correlated with duration of
exposure in the high but not the low exposure group These increases were most pronounced in those with 10 or
more years of heavy exposure and in those with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis particularly those with
rounded small opacities denoting classical silicosis These results provide further evidence that prolonged and
heavy exposure to silica is associated with nephrotoxic effects in granite workers
PMID
8217850
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1035520
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Acetylglucosaminidaseurine
Adult
Albuminuriaetiology
Humans
Kidneyphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesetiology
Kidney Diseasesphysiopathology
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Kidney Diseasesurine
Male
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesphysiopathology
Occupational Diseasesurine
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Acetylglucosaminidase
20
Br J Ind Med 1993 Aug50(8)726-31
Changes in lung function of granite crushers exposed to moderately high silica concentrations a 12 year follow up
Malmberg P Hedenstroumlm H Sundblad BM
Source
National Institute of Occupational Health Solna Sweden
Abstract
45 granite crushers and 45 age and smoking matched referents underwent pulmonary function tests in 1976 and
1988 On average the granite crushers at follow up had worked for 22 years were 52 (range 36-78) years old and
had inhaled a cumulated amount of 7 mg of silica in the respirable dust fraction Between 1976 and 1988 the average
concentration of respirable quartz in air was 016 mgm3 (threshold limit value (TLV) = 010 mgm3) In 1988 the
granite crushers had somewhat lower forced expiratory flows (forced expiratory volume in one secondvital capacity
(FEV1VC) -45 and forced midexpiratory flow FEF50 -15) compared with the referents and a more uneven
ventilation distribution (17 higher slope of phase III in the nitrogen single breath curve) Five smoking granite
crushers but none of the referents had an FEV1 lt 80 of the predicted During the 12 year interval the granite
crushers had--compared with the matched referents--a greater decrease in FEV1 (-46) FEV1VC (-54) maximal
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
expiratory flow (-8) and FEF50 (-14) and a larger increase in phase III and static compliance (p lt 002 in all
variables) The functional changes suggest the presence of airways obstruction and increased compliance of the
lungs Exposure to silica at concentrations of about twice the present TLV was thus associated with airways
obstruction and loss of elastic recoil rather than fibrosis and a restrictive function loss as seen in silicosis The
changes were on average small but in some tobacco smokers more pronounced changes were found
PMID
8398859
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1012176
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dust
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiology
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Residual Volume
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Total Lung Capacity
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Thorax 1993 Aug48(8)840-4
Phospholipid content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in granite workers with silicosis in Quebec
Beacutegin R Lesur O Bouhadiba T Guojian L Lariveacutee P Melloni B Martel M Cantin A
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Some of the prominent features of silicosis are hyperplasia and hypertrophy of epithelial type II cells which in
experimental animals are often accompanied by accumulation of phospholipids in the lung
METHODS
The total phospholipid content of lung lavage fluid and its composition in 28 granite stone cutters with long term
exposure to silica dust (23 with radiological silicosis) was compared with that of lavage fluid in 15 normal volunteers
15 patients with untreated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 19 patients with untreated stage 2 or 3 sarcoidosis All
lavage fluid was obtained at the time of first pulmonary investigation which also included lung function tests
RESULTS
In the normal subjects total phospholipid content was 113 (016) micrograms phosphorusml of lung lavage in the
patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 052 (007) microgramml (p lt 005) and in the patients with sarcoidosis
102 (020) microgramml composition being in the range reported in humans In the patients with silicosis total
phospholipid content was significantly decreased to an average of 046 (008) microgramml compared with the
findings in normal subjects and patients with sarcoidosis Within the group exposed to silica changes in total
phospholipid content did not correlate with the severity of the radiographic disease changes in lung function the
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
cellularity of lung lavage fluid or hyaluronate concentrations The secretory capacity of rat epithelial type II cells was
not significantly different when cultured with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from all four groups of subjects
CONCLUSIONS
Total phospholipid content in lung lavage fluid was significantly reduced in granite workers with radiological evidence
of lung disease but showed no correlation with radiological or functional markers of disease severity
PMID
8211875
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC464719
Free PMC Article
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adolescent
Adult
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidchemistry
Cell Division
Epitheliummetabolism
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Phospholipidsanalysis
Pulmonary Fibrosisphysiopathology
Sarcoidosisphysiopathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Substances
Phospholipids
Eur Respir J 1992 Sep5(8)986-91
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Lung function in relation to silicosis and silica exposure in granite workers
Ng TP Chan SL
Source
Dept of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge
Abstract
Lung function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1FVC )
were related to silica exposure and the extent of radiological opacities in a study of 206 active and 132 previously
employed granite workers from two quarries The investigations included detailed personal interviews spirometric
testing and radiographic examination of the chest The chest X-ray films were read randomly and independently by
three readers using International Labour Office (ILO) standard films Cumulative exposure to respirable silica (mgm-
3-yr) and total granite dust (million particles per cubic foot (mppcf-yr)) were estimated for each subject based on his
years of employment at various jobs and historical and current measurements of quarry- period- and job-specific
exposures The results suggest that chronic simple silicosis especially for profusion category 2 and 3 was
associated with significant lung function loss As expected mixed dust fibrosis was associated with little or no
functional disturbance Massive fibrosis was associated with significant obstructive and restrictive impairment No
additional effect of exposure to respirable silica on lung function loss was found after allowing for the presence of
silicosis However exposure to total dust (mppcf-yr) appeared to be associated with some lung function loss
independent of silicosis Our results indicate that chronic simple silicosis is not a benign disease silica exposure is
the primary cause but the lung function loss in silicotics is directly attributable to the fibrotic lung disease However
exposure to total granite dust beyond the respirable size range may separately produce additional lung function loss
PMID
1330677
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungradiography
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Exposureanalysis
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Spirometry
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)312-7
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore chronic bronchitis and lung function impairment
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms of chronic bronchitis and measurements of lung function were studied in an epidemiological
survey of the total population of workers currently employed in granite quarries in Singapore There were 85 rock
drilling and crushing workers with current exposure in high levels of silica dust Their respiratory parameters were
studied with reference to an internal comparison group of 154 quarry maintenance and transport workers with low
dust exposure and an external comparison group of 148 Telecoms postal delivery workers with no granite dust
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
exposure The highly exposed workers showed greater prevalences of chronic cough and phlegm a mean reduction
of 5 in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) The increased respiratory
morbidity were independent of other factors such as age and smoking Similar results were also noted after excluding
those with silicosis (defined radiologically as profusion greater than 11 as read by at least two of three readers)
This study strongly indicates a demonstrable risk of occupational bronchitis (mucus hypersecretion) and obstructive
and restrictive lung function impairment apart from the classical risk of silicosis Measures taken to protect the
health of workers exposed to silica dust should also be based on considerations taken to protect against the risk of
these respiratory disorders as well
PMID
1416776
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
MeSH Terms
Adult
Bronchitisepidemiology
Bronchitisphysiopathology
Dustadverse effects
Forced Expiratory Volumephysiology
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoking
Vital Capacityphysiology
Substances
Dust
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1992 May21(3)305-11
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
An epidemiological survey of respiratory morbidity among granite quarry workers in Singapore radiological abnormalities
Ng TP Phoon WH Lee HS Ng YL Tan KT
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
This report presents baseline findings from the first of a series of epidemiological studies to evaluate inter alia the
effects of control measures introduced in 1972-79 to reduce dust exposure in all quarries in Singapore The
prevalence of radiological abnormalities among 219 currently employed quarry workers were estimated according to
a number of parameters of dust exposure Large-sized chest x-ray films were read independently and in random
order by a panel of three experienced readers who were blinded to the personal particulars and exposure of the
subjects using standard chest x-ray films to record opacities according to the International Standard Classification of
Radiographs of Pneumoconioses Silicosis as defined by radiological small opacities (both rounded and irregular) of
profusion 11 or greater as read by at least two readers were noted in 11 subjects The prevalence of silicosis was
125 in highly exposed drilling and crushing workers and 08 in maintenance and transportation workers with low
level exposure to granite dust Among those who were first exposed to granite dust after 1979 no cases of silicosis
were noted in any quarry worker It is concluded that reduction in dust exposure since 1979 has so far been
successful in producing nil or negligible risks of silicosis among active quarry workers over ten years but further
follow-up studies are needed
PMID
1416775
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Adult
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Fibrosisepidemiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Risk Factors
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Singaporeepidemiology
Substances
Dust
Am J Ind Med 199222(2)155-62
Small airways function of silica-exposed workers
Chia KS Ng TP Jeyaratnam J
Source
Department of Community Occupational and Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Small airways obstruction may be present for many years before chronic airway obstruction becomes evident
Several spirometric indices especially flow rates at low lung volumes may reflect the status of small airways Time
domain indices by using moments analysis of the volume time spirogram have also been shown to be sensitive
indicators of small airways obstruction In this study we have applied the various spirometric indices as well as time
domain indices to a group of granite quarry workers without radiographic evidence of silicosis or physiological
evidence of obstruction to the larger airways The aim was to evaluate small airways function in relation to dust
exposure in subjects with normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second to the forced vital capacity
(FEV1FVC) and normal FVC The volume-time spirograms of 140 quarry workers were digitized using an electronic
digitizer connected to a microcomputer where flow and time domain indices were computed The workers were
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
divided into three exposure groups based on their occupational history With adjustment for age height and smoking
status all the time domain indices showed significant small airways obstruction with increasing dust exposure
Smokers had greater degree of airways obstruction than the non-smokers with a similar trend of increase in small
airways obstruction in relation to higher exposure Our present study suggests that small airways obstruction is
present among silica exposed workers in the absence of radiological evidence of silicosis and large airways
obstruction There was also evidence of increasing small airways obstruction in higher dust exposure group Our
study also suggests that time domain indices are more sensitive to small airways obstruction
PMID
1329507
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Airway Obstructionphysiopathology
Airway Resistance
Chronic Disease
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposureadverse effects
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisdiagnosis
Vital Capacity
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991 Dec144(6)1307-13
Effects of work exposure retirement and smoking on bronchoalveolar lavage measurements of lung dust in Vermont granite workers
Christman JW Emerson RJ Hemenway DR Graham WG Davis GS
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Source
Department of Medicine University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
Estimation of the exposure to respirable dust in the workplace is an important aspect of industrial hygiene We
performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 42 healthy nonindustrial control subjects and 44 workers in the Barre
Vermont granite industry to determine whether BAL materials reflected occupational exposure The granite workers
held jobs with a range of dust exposure intensities and had employment histories from 1 to 43 yr 12 workers were
retired None of the workers had radiologic evidence of silicosis The granite dust content of BAL materials was
measured by enumerating the percentage of cells positive for particulates by polarized light microscopy by analysis
for silicon by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and by chemical analysis
Minerals were present in greater quantity in the BAL cells from granite workers than from nonindustrial control
subjects Polarized light microscopy was comparable in sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy to electron
microscopy chemical analysis was less accurate than either microscopic technique Tobacco smoking did not
interfere with the detection of the occupationally related minerals or influence the quantity of dust present The
mineral in BAL cells was partially related to the intensity of exposure within the granite industry and to the duration of
employment but there was great individual variation among subjects Retirement led to a decrease in BAL mineral
content but substantial dust remained for many years
PMID
1660228
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidpathology
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Female
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Microscopy Electron Scanning
Microscopy Polarization
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Retirement
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
HL-14212HLNHLBI NIH HHSUnited States
RR-109RRNCRR NIH HHSUnited States
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1507-14
Radiographic abnormalities in Vermont granite workers exposed to low levels of granite dust
Graham WG Ashikaga T Hemenway D Weaver S OGrady RV
Source
Pulmonary Division Biometry Facility University of Vermont Burlington
Abstract
The issue of whether low levels of granite dust exposure lead to radiographic abnormalities after a lifetime of
exposure has not been settled In 1983 we carried out a radiographic survey of the Vermont granite industry
consisting of quarry and stone shed workers who had been exposed to the low dust levels prevailing in the industry
since 1938 to 1940 Films were read by three B readers using the ILO classification system which requires the
identification of both rounded and irregular opacities as well as combinations of both X-ray films were taken of 972
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
workers out of a total work force of approximately 1400 Of these films 28 (3 percent) were interpreted by either two
or three of the three readers as showing abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis Only seven films (or 07
percent of the entire cohort) showed nodular or rounded opacities of the type typically seen in uncomplicated
silicosis The remainder of the abnormal x-ray films showed irregular opacities largely in the lower lung zones
which are of uncertain significance but may be related to heavy cigarette smoking and aging and possibly dust
inhalation In addition total gravimetric dust concentrations in the workplace were measured 417 respirable-size
mass samples showed concentrations of 601 microgramscu m +- 368 microgramscu m Using previously published
estimates of 10 percent quartz in granite dust the average quartz concentration was 60 microgramscu m Twelve
percent of the samples exceeded 100 microgramscu m the current OSHA standard for quartz We conclude that
control of quartz exposure in the Vermont granite industry to levels which are on average less than the current OSHA
standard has essentially eliminated definite radiographic changes of silicosis The significance of the irregular
opacities in the lower lung zones seen on a majority of the 28 x-ray films judged to be abnormal is not clear
Comment in
Chest 1991 Dec100(6)1482-3
PMID
1659976
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Female
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Exposure
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Pneumoconiosisepidemiology
Pneumoconiosisradiography
Silicon Dioxide
Smoking
Time Factors
Vermontepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
R01 OHO1035-04OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
Scand J Work Environ Health 1991 Jun17(3)170-4
Silicosis and lung cancer among Chinese granite workers
Chia SE Chia KS Phoon WH Lee HP
Source
Department of Community Occupational amp Family Medicine National University of Singapore
Abstract
Of the 184 cases of silicosis registered between 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1984 in Singapore all the
relevant information was available for 159 which were linked to the population-based National Cancer Register for
lung cancer Nine cases of lung cancer were found The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was computed with the
age- and calendar-specific incidence of lung cancer rates of Chinese males in Singapore as a basis Excess risk of
lung cancer was found (SIR 201 95 confidence interval 092-381) Adjustment for smoking showed that it alone
could not account for the excess lung cancer risk There was an increasing but not significant trend with increasing
severity of silicosis and exposure duration The results suggest that the severity of silicosis and possibly exposure
to free silica may have contributed to the excess of lung cancer among the cases of silicosis studied
PMID
1648788
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Cohort Studies
Continental Population Groups
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsepidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisepidemiology
Singapore
Smokingepidemiology
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Rev Clin Esp 1990 Oct187(6)275-9
[The epidemiology of silicosis in the El Escorial region]
[Article in Spanish]
Ubeda Martiacutenez E Siboacuten Galindo JM Valle Martiacuten M Muntildeoz Mateos F
Source
Hospital de El Escorial Madrid
Abstract
In a sample of 186 stone workers who performed granite tearing and stone work (either manual or mechanical)
we have found silicosis in 505 (simple silicosis 473 and complicated silicosis 32) The most commonly
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
found radiologic manifestation was a round opacity type p and a 11 to 13 profusion From a functional respiratory
perspective a mild reduction of FVC DLco (SB) and pO2 similar to that described in coal miners pneumoconiosis
was observed It seems that stone workers had a higher incidence of suffering severe silicosis than stone tearing
workers Surprisingly in the analysis of inhaled dust of such an activity which is performed in the open air the rates of
dust and SiO2 are much higher than those found in coal workers We believe that this is the first time that these
measurements are performed and published in a group of stone workers
PMID
1965338
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Comparative Study
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Humans
Incidence
Lungradiography
Mining
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicosisepidemiology
Spainepidemiology
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
30
Lung 1990168(3)151-8
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Enzyme activities of lung lavage in silicosis
Lariveacutee P Cantin A Dufresne A Beacutegin R
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of quartz on lung cells has been well documented by in vitro and animal studies but the
pertinence of these findings to humans has not yet been documented We measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
activities in the lung lavage of 24 long-term workers in the Queacutebec granite industry and 25 control subjects We
found significant increases in LDH activities in the workers lung lavage even in the absence of established silicosis
(9 subjects) We looked at a similar observation in the sheep model of early silicosis measured quartz content of
lung lavage and found significant correlation with LDH levels (R = 064 p less than 0001) All of the quartz particles
in human and sheep lung lavage were in the alveolar macrophages To test further the relationship of macrophage
damage (cytotoxicity of quartz) we measured the release of LDH by sheep alveolar macrophage in 24 h cell culture
under control conditions exposure to inert dust titanium minusil-5 quartz or aluminum-treated quartz The LDH
release was at control levels during titanium exposure and showed a significantly dose-related increase during quartz
exposure The latter cytotoxic effect was largely attenuated by aluminum treatment of quartz These in vitro data
agreed with previous reports This study presents evidence of a cytotoxic effect of quartz inhalation in humans The
effect is related to the intensity of quartz retention in the lung macrophages it is not a nonspecific dust exposure
effect and can be attenuated by surface modification of the quartz
PMID
2114508
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidenzymology
Disease Models Animal
Dose-Response Relationship Drug
Humans
L-Lactate Dehydrogenaseanalysis
L-Lactate Dehydrogenasemetabolism
Macrophagesenzymology
Middle Aged
Quebec
Sheep
Silicosisenzymology
Silicosisetiology
Substances
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
Singapore Med J 1989 Jun30(3)269-72
A study on the usage of respirators among granite quarry workers in Singapore
Chia SE
Abstract
The frequency and correctness of respirators were studied in 5 granite quarries in Singapore involving 201 workers
The overall prevalence of usage of correct respirators was 458 104 of the workers were found to be using the
wrong respiratory protective devices Age years of exposure and types of occupations were found to affect the usage
of respirators Some common reasons given by workers for not wearing the respirators were breathing difficulty hot
amp sweaty and respirator smells after a while
PMID
2555925
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Dustadverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Protective Devices
Respiratory Protective Devices
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosisprevention amp control
Singapore
Substances
Dust
granite
Silicon Dioxide
32
Chest 1988 Sep94(3)539-45
Lung function in silica-exposed workers A relationship to disease severity assessed by CT scan
Beacutegin R Ostiguy G Cantin A Bergeron D
Source
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Universiteacute de Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To investigate the relationship of lung function airflow limitation and lung injury in silica-exposed workers we
analyzed the clinical functional and radiologic data of 94 long-term workers exposed in the granite industry or in
foundries The subjects were divided into four subsets based on chest roentgenogram and CT scan of the thorax
group 1 consisted of 21 subjects with category 0 chest roentgenogram and category 0 CT scan group 2 28 subjects
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
with category E 1 on both chest roentgenogram and CT scan group 3 18 subjects with category E 1 on chest
roentgenogram but with coalescence or conglomeration or both seen only on CT scan and group 4 27 subjects with
category E 1 and coalescence or conglomeration or both on roentgenogram and CT scan The groups did not differ in
terms of age height cigarette smoking or years of exposure Lung volumes were significantly reduced only in group
4 (p less than 005) Lung compliance diffusion capacity and the rest-exercise P(A-a)O2 gradient were reduced in
groups 3 and 4 (p less than 005) Expiratory flow rates were significantly reduced in groups 2 3 and 4 with the
lowest values in group 4 The expiratory flow rates in group 3 were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2
These results support the concept that airflow in silica-exposed workers is significantly reduced when the disease is
detectable on simple chest roentgenogram coalescence or conglomeration or both on chest roentgenogram or CT
scan is associated with significant loss of lung volumes gas exchange function and increased airflow obstruction
PMID
3409733
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Lung Volume Measurements
Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
Pulmonary Gas Exchange
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Am J Ind Med 198813(4)483-97
Vermont granite workers mortality study
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Costello J Graham WG
Source
Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia
Abstract
A cohort mortality study was carried out in Vermont granite workers who had been employed between the years
1950 and 1982 The cohort included men who had been exposed to high levels of granite dust prior to 1938-1940
(average cutters to 40 million partscubic foot) and those employed at dust levels after 1940 which on average were
less than 10 million partscubic foot Deaths were coded by a qualified nosologist and standardized mortality ratios
were calculated The results confirm previous studies that show that death rates from silicosis and tuberculosis the
major health threats in the years before 1940 were essentially eliminated after dust controls However we found
excessive mortality rates from lung cancer in stone shed workers who had been employed prior to 1930 and hence
had been exposed to high levels of granite dust When information was available 100 of those dying from lung
cancer had been smokers
PMID
2834946
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Risk Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosismortality
Smoking
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Chest 1987 Dec92(6)1061-7
Spectrum of alveolitis in quartz-exposed human subjects
Beacutegin RO Cantin AM Boileau RD Bisson GY
Source
Uniteacute de Recherche Pulmonaire CHUS Sherbrooke Queacutebec Canada
Abstract
To characterize silica-induced alveolitis in human subjects we studied 22 workers in the granite stone cutting
industry of Quebec and compared results with those of 22 manual workers without quartz exposure (group 1) All
were nonsmokers and were of comparable age On the basis of chest roentgenogram seven were without disease
(group 2) nine had silicosis without coalescenceconglomeration (group 3) and six had silicosis with
coalescenceconglomeration (group 4) The alveolitis in subsets of silica-exposed workers with distinct clinical stages
of disease was found to have distinct biologic characteristics
PMID
2824136
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances
Publication Types
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Alveolitis Extrinsic Allergicchemically induced
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluidanalysis
Environmental Exposure
Fibroblast Growth Factorsanalysis
Fibronectinsanalysis
Humans
Lung Volume Measurements
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Procollagenanalysis
Quartzpoisoning
Silicon Dioxidepoisoning
Silicosisetiology
Substances
Fibronectins
Procollagen
Quartz
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Silicon Dioxide
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jul 18295(6591)164-8
Radiological progression and lung function in silicosis a ten year follow up study
Ng TP Chan SL Lam KP
Source
Labour Department Hong Kong
Abstract
Chest radiographs and spirometric tests were performed on 81 patients who had silicosis from two granite quarries
in 1975 73 of whom were followed up for two to 10 (mean 72) years Each patients initial and most recent chest
radiographs were assessed independently by three experienced readers and the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were estimated from two to four (mean 345) serial spirometric
readings Estimates of individual dust exposure were based on extensive historical data on hygiene All but 11
patients were no longer exposed to dust by the start of follow up but 24 (45) of 53 patients who had simple
silicosis and 11 (55) of 20 who had the complicated disease showed radiological evidence of disease progression
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
In patients who had simple silicosis and showed no radiological progression the yearly declines in forced expiratory
volume in one second and forced vital capacity were modest (64 mlyear and 59 mlyear respectively) whereas
significantly greater declines in lung function were seen in those who showed radiological evidence of progression
(97 mlyear and 95 mlyear respectively) In addition to radiological progression the previous average dust
concentration to which patients had been exposed also influenced declines in both forced expiratory volume in one
second and forced vital capacity after allowing for the effects of age smoking duration of exposure history of
tuberculosis initial state of disease and baseline lung function The probability of radiological progression was most
strongly influenced by the average dust concentration previously exposed to The progression of simple silicosis is
thus accompanied by appreciable declines in lung function and is strongly affected by previous levels of exposure to
dust
PMID
3115361
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1247028
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dustadverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Lungpathology
Lungphysiopathology
Lungradiography
Male
Silicosispathology
Silicosisphysiopathology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingadverse effects
Time
Vital Capacity
Substances
Dust
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987 Mar148(3)509-14
CT assessment of silicosis in exposed workers
Beacutegin R Bergeron D Samson L Boctor M Cantin A
Abstract
For evaluation of the clinical usefulness of CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica 58 workers with long-term
exposure to silica in the granite and foundry industries of the Eastern Townships of Quebec were examined CT
scans were compared with standard posteroanterior chest radiographs by using the International Labour Office 1980
grading system for silicosis Six areas of the lung in each patient were assessed by both techniques for profusion
(number) of opacities (small nodules) coalescence and the presence of large opacities CT scans and chest
radiographs yielded similar average scores for detection of opacities CT identified significantly more coalescence
and large opacities in patients with simple silicosis In patients with complicated silicosis CT results were
comparable with those of chest radiographs CT of the thorax in workers exposed to silica does not identify more
patients with minimal parenchymal disease but it does detect earlier changes of coalescence
PMID
3492877
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support Non-US Govt
MeSH Terms
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Quebec
Silicosisradiography
Time Factors
Tomography X-Ray Computed
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Int J Epidemiol 1986 Sep15(3)337-42
Estimation of ventilatory capacity in subjects with unacceptable lung function tests
Eisen EA Robins JM
Abstract
Based on pulmonary function data collected annually for six years on 540 Vermont granite workers FEV1 in survey
1 was estimated by extrapolating back from subsequent measurements The extrapolation method was found to fit
the observed data of subjects with reproducible initial values very well (R2 = 087) Extrapolated FEV1s for workers
unable to perform an adequate pulmonary function test according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society
were compared to extrapolated values in the rest of the cohort After adjusting for confounding subjects with test
failure in survey 1 had a lower extrapolated FEV1 than the rest of the cohort (p = 007) The mean extrapolated FEV1
of the 71 workers with an initial test failure was only 95 of a predicted value derived from the group with
reproducible data and the per cent predicted decreased from 98 to 71 as the number of test failures in the follow-
up surveys increased (p = 00004) The American Thoracic Society and the Epidemiology Standardization Project
currently recommend that test failures be excluded from the analysis of epidemiological data Our findings suggest
that alternative strategies for handling non-reproducible lung function may need to be explored in order to avoid
selection bias
PMID
3771069
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Male
Mathematics
Regression Analysis
Respiratory Function Tests
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Silicosisprevention amp control
Smoking
Am J Ind Med 19869(2)189-201
A proportionate mortality study of granite cutters
Steenland K Beaumont J
Abstract
Several recent studies (animal and human) have suggested an association between lung cancer and silica exposure
To test the hypothesis we have studied death benefit records of 1905 members of the Granite Cutters Union A
proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically
(PMR) was conducted using US deaths as a comparison population Statistically significant excesses were
observed for death from nonmalignant respiratory significant excesses were observed for death from nonmalignant
respiratory disease (largely silicosis) (183 obs 437 exp) and for tuberculosis (largely silicotuberculosis) (262 obs
193 exp) Other significant excesses were observed for bone cancer (6 obs 19 exp) and arthritis (5 obs 15 exp) A
significant decrease was observed for leukemia (5 obs 130 exp) For lung cancer a slight but nonsignificant excess
was observed (97 obs 811 exp PMR = 119 95 CI 097-146) A proportionate cancer mortality analysis (PCMR)
showed similar results for lung cancer (PCMR = 109 95 CI 089-133) Lung cancer mortality also failed to show
any trend with either calendar time or duration of exposure Although no significant excess of lung cancer was
observed for the entire silica-exposed cohort there was an indication that those who were silicotic had an excess risk
of lung cancer based on a review of contributing causes on the death certificate
PMID
3963000
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Construction Materials
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Humans
Industry
Labor Unions
Male
Mortality
Neoplasmsmortality
Respiratory Tract Diseasesmortality
Tuberculosis Pulmonarymortality
Am J Ind Med 19834(6)705-23
Mortality experience of Vermont granite workers
Davis LK Wegman DH Monson RR Froines J
Abstract
The proportional mortality experience (1952-1978) of 969 deceased white male granite workers was compared with
that of United States white males Industrial hygiene information was combined with work histories to develop an
estimate of lifetime granite dust exposure for each individual Subjects were grouped into four cumulative exposure
categories and exposure-response relationships were examined Trends of increasing silicosis and tuberculosis
with increasing lifetime exposure were observed These are consistent with earlier findings With the exception of
excess suicide among granite workers dying before 1970 there was little evidence of association between other
causes of death and employment in the granite industry
PMID
6316782
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms Substances Grant Support
Publication Types
Comparative Study
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Humans
Lung Neoplasmsetiology
Lung Neoplasmsmortality
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasmsetiology
Neoplasmsmortality
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Occupational Diseasesmortality
Regression Analysis
Silicon Dioxideadverse effects
Silicosisetiology
Silicosismortality
Silicotuberculosisetiology
Silicotuberculosismortality
Suicideepidemiology
United States
Vermont
Substances
granite
Silicon Dioxide
Grant Support
5 T OHO7O-6OHNIOSH CDC HHSUnited States
SS 5 P30 E50002PHS HHSUnited States
Ann Acad Med Singapore 1982 Jan11(1)115-7
A profile of silicosis cases who died
Phoon WH
Abstract
Silicosis cases which had been notified by doctors and confirmed after investigations were followed up by the
Industrial Health Division Up to August 1981 a total of 313 persons were confirmed as having the disease Of these
59 had died The majority of these 59 persons had had their silica exposure in the granite quarries 13 had been
exposed to rubber powder which contained a high percentage of free silica 52 of those who died were male and
their average age at death was 6087 years This did not appear to be significantly shorter than their life expectancy
of 651 years But the average age of death for the 7 women was 5886 years which was much shorter than their life
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
expectancy of 70 years Many of the men died from causes unrelated to silicosis But 6 of the 7 women had
progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and they apparently died of the disease or complications arising from it
PMID
7073220
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosismortality
Singapore
JAMA 1980 Oct 24-31244(17)1939-41
Cryptic pulmonary lesions in workers occupationally exposed to dust containing silica
Craighead JE Vallyathan NV
Abstract
Fibrotic lesions associated with deposits of crystalline silica were found postmortem in the lungs of 15 granite
workers who lacked radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis All members of this occupational group had been
employed in the granite quarrying and monument industry of Vermont since ambient air-dust standards were
introduced in 1937 Although particulate silica was not revealed in the lesions by traditional polarization light
microscopy it was identified by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with backscatter imaging and x-ray
spectrometry The etiologic basis of the fibrotic pulmonary disease would not have been diagnosed without the aid of
these modern analytical tools Exposure to silica-containing dust can result in cryptic pulmonary disease that is not
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
detectable radiologically In these retrospective postmortem studies it was not possible to define the distribution of
the lesions in the lungs
PMID
6252356
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Air Pollutants Occupationalanalysis
Autopsy
Dustanalysis
Humans
Lungpathology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Fibrosisradionuclide imaging
Retrospective Studies
Silicon Dioxideanalysis
Silicosisradionuclide imaging
Spectrometry X-Ray Emission
Vermont
Substances
Air Pollutants Occupational
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prax Klin Pneumol 1979 Apr33 Suppl 1627-32
[Silicotuberculosis in Austria and the industrial injuries act (authors transl)]
[Article in German]
Muhar F Neuberger M Raber A
Abstract
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
The case material comprising all persons who developed silico-tuberculosis since it was listed as an occupational
disease almost 50 years ago is analysed The relationship between various occupations and the incidence of
silicosis is reviewed with special reference to the most exposed group the wokers in the granite quarries of Upper
Austria The changes in the clinical picture of the lesion legal aspects diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between
silicosis with or without complicating tuberculosis are discussed
PMID
156918
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
English Abstract
MeSH Terms
Adult
Austria
Diagnosis Differential
Humans
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Silicosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisdiagnosis
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Workers Compensation
Med J Malaysia 1977 Jun31(4)277-80
The prevelance of silicosis among granite quarry workers of the government sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Singh A
PMID
927231
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Malaysia
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosisepidemiology
Am Rev Respir Dis 1977 May115(5)769-76
Pulmonary function in granite dust exposure a four-year follow-up
Musk AW Peters JM Wegman DH Fine LJ
Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed on 974 workers in Vermont granite sheds in 1974 Of these subjects
668 had been studied 4 years earlier and had remained in jobs in which their exposure to granite dust had not
changed based on dust concentrations measured during 1970 The yearly decrement in pulmonary function observed
in the 668 granite shed workers was excessive (007 to 008 liter per year for forced vital capacity and 005 to 007
liter per year for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) This exceeded the expected decrement derived from several
other occupational and population groups Studies from this laboratory and published cross-sectional and longitudinal
data consistently indicate a decrement of no more than 003 to 004 liter per year in both forced vital capacity and
forced expiratory volume in 1 sec The observed decrements were independent of exposure groups and not
accounted for by cigarette smoking In 528 additional granite shed workers decrements in ventilatory capacity had
been measured for one 2 or 3 years and were consistently of the same order of magnitude Dust concentrations
within defined jobs and between granite sheds showed great variability Despite this a suggestive relationship
between exposure and decrement in ventilatory function was demonstrated at the end of 2 years however at the end
of 4 years the relationship could no longer be shown with these exposure groupings The difficulty in characterizing
individual dust exposures and projecting dust concentrations for several years is considered to account for the
absence of a dose-response relationship at the 4-year follow-up The results of this study suggest that our previous
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
estimates of annual deterioration in ventilatory capacity attributable to work in granite sheds are underestimates We
conclude that present dust concentrations in Vermont granite sheds cause excessive deterioration of lung capacity
To prevent these effects dust concentrations must be lowered
PMID
857716
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
Publication Types MeSH Terms
Publication Types
Research Support US Govt Non-PHS
Research Support US Govt PHS
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Follow-Up Studies
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lungphysiopathology
Male
Middle Aged
Silicosiscomplications
Silicosisphysiopathology
Smokingcomplications
Vermont
Vital Capacity
Scand J Work Environ Health 1975 Jun1(2)109-16
A health survey of granite workers in Finland radiographic findings respiratory function hearing electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and subjective symptoms
Ahlman K Backman AL Partanen T
Abstract
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Results from a health survey of 777 granite workers exposed to quartz dust noise andor machine vibration and
122 unexposed controls are reported The survey included chest X-rays pulmonary function tests a hearing
examination the determination of the electric sensory thresholds of the fingers and questionnaires on the subjective
symptoms of the respiratory system and upper limbs The exposed workers radiographic findings (except for a 26
rate of silicosis) respiratory functions and sensory thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the controls
Granite drillers had a high prevalence of hearing defects Respiratory symptoms were common among drillers and
sandblasters and subjective symptoms of the upper limbs due to vibration occurred among the granite dressing
workers who used pneumatic hammers Both primary and secondary measures of prevention are strongly
recommended for the granite industry primarlily for quartz dust exposure and its health effects
PMID
179134
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Environmental Exposure
Fingersinnervation
Finland
Galvanic Skin Response
Hearing Disordersetiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Noiseadverse effects
Occupational Diseaseschemically induced
Occupational Diseasesetiology
Pulmonary Fibrosischemically induced
Pulmonary Fibrosisradiography
Raynaud Diseaseetiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Respiratory Tract Diseaseschemically induced
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Vibrationadverse effects
Substances
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Silicon Dioxide
Arch Environ Health 1974 Jan28(1)23-7
Pulmonary function and roentgenographic changes in granite dust exposure
Theriault GP Peters JM Johnson WM
PMID
4357263
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Dust
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Respirationdrug effects
Silicon Dioxidetoxicity
Silicosisetiology
Silicosisradiography
Smokingcomplications
Spirometry
Statistics as Topic
Time Factors
Vermont
Vital Capacitydrug effects
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Br J Ind Med 1970 Apr27(2)110-20
Progressive silicosis in granite workers
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Gruumlndorfer W Raber A
PMID
5428630
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1009084
Free PMC Article
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Adult
Aged
Air Pollution
Austria
Dust
Humans
Lungradiography
Male
Middle Aged
Mining
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisradiography
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisradiography
Substances
Dust
J Trop Med Hyg 1968 Oct71(10)267-70
Occupational hazards among granite workers in Ceylon
Uragoda CG
PMID
5685305
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Accident Prevention
Accidents Occupational
Adult
Eye Injuriesepidemiology
Female
Finger Injuriesepidemiology
Hand Injuriesepidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseasesepidemiology
Silicosisepidemiology
Sri Lanka
Wounds and Injuriesepidemiology
Rev Tuberc Pneumol (Paris) 1966 May-Jun30(5)693-700
[Medico-social aspects of tuberculopneumoconiosis in non-syphilitic and non-alcoholic granite workers]
[Article in French]
Lambert J
PMID
5955865
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Silicotuberculosis
Br J Ind Med 1965 Oct22(4)285-90
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Silicosis from quarrying and working of granite
Ahlmark A Bruce T Nystroumlm A
PMID
5836568
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1069380
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Humans
Mortality
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicotuberculosisepidemiology
Sweden
51
Ind Med Surg 1964 Feb3373-8
TWENTY-SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH DUST CONTROL IN THE VERMONT GRANITE INDUSTRY
ASHE HB BERGSTROM DE
PMID
14123817
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Air Pollution
Dust
Mass Chest X-Ray
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
Preventive Medicine
Silicon Dioxide
Silicosis
Statistics as Topic
Vermont
Substances
Dust
Silicon Dioxide
Prac Lek 1963 Dec15426-31
[SILICOSIS FOLLOWING WORK WITH SANDSTONE AND GRANITE]
[Article in Czech]
JINDRICHOVA J
PMID
14107390
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Czechoslovakia
Disability Evaluation
Radiography Thoracic
Silicosis
Br J Ind Med 1963 Jul20218-25
SILICOSIS IN WEST COUNTRY GRANITE WORKERS
HALE LW SHEERS G
PMID
14046159
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC1039203
Free PMC Article
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
England
Silicosis
Med J Malaya 1961 Sep1646-80
Granite quarrying and silicosis--being a report of a survey of silicosis in a granite quarry in Singapore
KHOO OT DSOUZA EJ
PMID
14455691
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
AMA Arch Ind Health 1956 Jan13(1)97-9
RESURVEY of Vermont granite sheds and quarries
[No authors listed]
PMID
13275142
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Public Health Rep 1955 Oct70(10)983-5
Silicosis and dust control Vermonts granite industry
ASHE HB
PMID
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
13266952
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID PMC2024659
MeSH Terms Substances
MeSH Terms
Dust
Silicosisprevention amp control
Substances
Dust
57
Occup Health (Auckl) 1951 Dec11(12)183
DECADE of surveys in Georgia granite sheds and quarries raise health standards
[No authors listed]
PMID
14891106
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisprevention amp control
Edinb Med J 1951 Oct58(10)457-80
A survey of the granite industry in Aberdeen with reference to silicosis
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]
MAIR A
PMID
14872808
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
MeSH Terms
MeSH Terms
Silicosisepidemiology
Silicosisstatistics amp numerical data
J Med Assoc Ga 1948 Oct37(10)393
Silicosis control in the Georgia granite industries
PETRIE LM
PMID
18888623
[PubMed - OLDMEDLINE]