Comparison of pulmonary function test abnormalities between stone crushing dust exposed and nonexposed agricultural workers

Abstract

Some of the results were unexpected. Possible reasons for these include (i) undetectable concentrations of free silica in the stone dust in the work environment of the exposed workers and (ii) factors, such as climate, in the work environment of the nonexposed agricultural workers that could cause pulmonary impairment. Further protective measures should be undertaken to prevent pulmonary impairment in both groups of workers.

Microstructural and magnetic characterization of dusts from a stone crushing industry in Birbhum, India

“…It is noteworthy to mention that the effect of stone crushing activities can cause several problems on plants such as decrease in relative water content, maximum dust holding capacity and decrease in chlorophyll content [4]. It is reported that stone dust contains silicon dioxide or free silica [5,6] as well as different metal oxides [7]. High percentage of finer particles and silica content poses health problems to the people exposed for longer durations [8].…”

Lung Function Impact from Working in the Pre-Revolution Libyan Quarry Industry

“…This has the potential to lead to lung damage from exposure to the aerosolized dust, particularly in the hot desert environment found within Libya. While the health impacts to workers within the quarry industry has been studied in many different countries, it has been relatively unexplored in Libya [ 6 ].…”

“…Lung function impairment is one of the most common occupational respiratory problems associated with occupation dust exposures [ 7 , 8 ]. A number of studies have evaluated the impact of dust on lung function, but most of these studies were conducted without considering the duration of the exposure and none of these studies have been performed in Libya [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Further clues may lie in the pattern of lung function deficit associated with dust exposure.…”

Effects of Stone Dust Exposure on Some Liver and Kidney Related Serum Parameters of Stone Crush Plant Workers

“…Silica is responsible for causing the oldest and most dreaded of occupational diseases, silicosis (Chattopadhyay & Gangopadhyay, 2006). Silicosis is characterized by respiratory damage which ranges from reversible functional changes to irreversible damage of the lungs, and in, some extreme exposures, causes lung cancer (Mathur&Choudhary, 1996).Silicosis occurs as a result of the inhalation and deposition of crystalline silica particles in the lung parenchyma (Oxman, et al, 1993).…”