Assessment of impact of high particulate concentration on peak expiratory flow rate of lungs of sand stone quarry workers

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2006 Dec;3(4):355-9. doi: 10.3390/ijerph2006030046.

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the impact of high particulate concentration on peak expiratory flow rate of lungs of sand stone quarry workers. The workers were engaged in different types of activities such as drilling, loading and dressing. These different working conditions had different concentrations of RSPM, leading to different exposure levels in workers. It was found that exposure duration and exposure concentrations were the main factors responsible for damage to the respiratory tracts of the workers. The particles were deposited at various areas of the respiratory system and reduced the peak flow rate. It was also revealed from the study that most of the workers suffered from silicosis if the exposure duration was more than 20 years.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Humans
  • India / epidemiology
  • Industry*
  • Lung / drug effects*
  • Lung / physiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Exposure / analysis*
  • Particulate Matter / toxicity*
  • Peak Expiratory Flow Rate / drug effects*
  • Prevalence
  • Respiratory Physiological Phenomena / drug effects*
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry
  • Silicon Dioxide / toxicity*
  • Silicosis / epidemiology
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Particulate Matter
  • Silicon Dioxide