1. Pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms in potash workers.
- Author
-
Graham BL, Dosman JA, Cotton DJ, Weisstock SR, Lappi VG, and Froh F
- Subjects
- Adult, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, New Mexico, Occupational Diseases epidemiology, Respiratory Function Tests, Respiratory Tract Diseases epidemiology, Respiratory Tract Diseases physiopathology, Saskatchewan, Smoking, Dust adverse effects, Hydroxides adverse effects, Mining, Occupational Diseases etiology, Potassium adverse effects, Potassium Compounds, Respiratory Tract Diseases etiology
- Abstract
Over 94% of the workers in each of four Saskatchewan potash mines participated in a respiratory health surveillance program that included a questionnaire and pulmonary function tests. Compared with a nonexposed control group, potash workers had higher prevalences of cough, dyspnea, and chronic bronchitis but better pulmonary function. Prevalences of symptoms and pulmonary function abnormalities were similar among workers at the four mines tested and at the various job locations. Potash dust, diesel fumes, and other air contaminants may have an irritant effect that leads to the increased prevalences of cough and chronic bronchitis. Although we found no adverse effects of the potash mine environment on pulmonary function, these findings reflect a healthy worker effect or some selection process that makes the potash workers appear healthier in a cross-sectional study.
- Published
- 1984