Evaluation of Silicosis, Asthma, and COPD Among Sand and Gravel and Stone Surface Mine Workers.

Abstract

Despite the large number of workers in surface sand and gravel mines, there are no previous studies on a cohort of these workers. A cross-sectional study of Michigan surface mine workers included a questionnaire and for those who worked ≥15 years spirometry and chest x-ray. Questionnaires were completed by 1207 miners, 111 had an X-ray and 70 had spirometry. There were no silicosis cases. There were 117 with asthma, 22 COPD, 129 saw a doctor for shortness of breath (SOB), 125 with possible work-related asthma, and 26 abnormal spirometry results. Although, no cases of silicosis were identified, there was more current asthma; and an association of current asthma, COPD and seeing a doctor for SOB with time since first worked, and obstructive changes in some nonsmokers that suggested the potential for adverse respiratory effects.