Silicosis and Granite

73
Pub Med search 2 July 2011 Silicosis AND granite J Occup Environ Hyg. 2011 Feb;8(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 11.0% 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 = 0.1 mg/m(3) of respirable silica. For impinger data, respirable dust was calculated by multiplying respirable silica by a factor of 9.091 to reflect that the respirable silica was 11.0% 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]

Transcript of Silicosis and Granite

Page 1: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 2: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 3: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 4: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 5: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 6: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 7: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 8: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 9: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 10: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 11: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 12: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 13: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 14: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 15: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 16: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 17: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 18: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 19: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 20: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 21: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 22: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 23: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 24: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 25: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 26: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 27: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 28: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 29: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 30: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 31: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 32: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 33: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 34: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 35: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 36: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 37: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 38: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 39: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 40: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 41: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 42: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 43: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 44: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 45: Silicosis and Granite

[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]

Page 46: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 47: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 48: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 49: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 50: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 51: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 52: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 53: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 54: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 55: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 56: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 57: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 58: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 59: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 60: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 61: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 62: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 63: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 64: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 65: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 66: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 67: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 68: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 69: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 70: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 71: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 72: Silicosis and Granite

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]

Page 73: Silicosis and Granite

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]