A 26-Year Radiographic Follow-Up of Workers in a Diatomite Mine and Mill

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Chest roentgenograms of 473 employees of a California [USA] diatomite plant were reviewed as part of periodic reevaluation of the efficacy of the dust control program. The plant''s processing of diatomite included flux-calcination, which provided opportunities for exposure to cristobalite. The films examined were those of workers with at least 5 yr of service. Only 11 films were interpreted as showing changes consistent with pneumoconiosis, i.e., small opacities of profusion categorized as .gtoreq. 1/1. Only 6 were classified as .gtoreq. 1/2. All who developed categories .gtoreq. 1/1 during their employment had > 25 yr of service. No large opcacities were reported. The low prevalence of abnormalities and the absence of definite pneumoconiosis in employees with < 25 yr of service was in striking contrast with findings in 1953. At that time > 25% of those with .gtoreq. 5 yr of employment had roentgenographic evidence of pneumoconiosis and > 10% had confluent changes producing large opacities.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: