The prevalence of pulmonary silicosis among underground coal-mine workers in Quang Ninh province
- Author:
Tu Thi Nguyen
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
pulmonary silicosis
- MeSH:
Silicosis;
Prevalence;
Lung Diseases
- From:Journal of Practical Medicine
2002;435(11):22-25
- CountryViet Nam
- Language:Vietnamese
-
Abstract:
The prevalence of pulmonary silicosis was investigated among 387 randomly selected underground coal-mine workers. Out of these, 37 cases diagnosed with pulmonary silicosis (9.6%). Diggers appeared to be at higher risk of developing silicosis than others, with prevalence rate ratio of 3.3 (95% CI, 1.38 - 7.92). There was a significant relationship between length of exposure and risk of pulmonary silicosis (Chi square for trend, p = 0.001). Underground coal-mine workers with more than years of exposure were found to have increased rates of silicosis than those with less than years (prevalence rate ratio = 4.0) (95% CI: 1.88-8.53). The rate of silicosis among smokers was significantly higher than among non-smokers, prevalence rate ratio = 7.9 (95% CI: 3.7 - 17). Free silica content in the coal dust was found to be high (range from 11.2 to 39.2%). This study has highlighted the problem that free silica does exist in the coalmines of ViÖt Nam and the workers, especially the diggers, are at risk of developing pulmonary silicosis. More comprehensive medical surveillance should be carried out in the future with the participation of the different ministries and coal corporations
