Korean J Occup Environ Med.
2010 Dec;22(4):331-344.
Respiratory Symptoms, Pulmonary Function Tests, and Asbestos Related Chest Radiograph Abnormalities of Former Asbestos Textile Factory Workers
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Preventive and Occupational Medicine, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Korea. kangdm@pusan.ac.kr
- 2Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Korea.
- 3Pusan National University Medical Research Institute, Korea.
- 4Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Korea.
- 5Department of Radiology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Korea.
- 6Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, KOSHA, Korea.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, asbestos-related chest radiograph abnormalities and abnormal pulmonary function tests among former asbestos textile factory workers and to reveal the related factors of these abnormal findings.
METHODS
There were 119 persons former asbestos textile industry workers registered in the health management pocketbook. Of 97 retired asbestos workers living in Busan, Yangsan and Gimhae, 63(64.9%) retired asbestos workers were enrolled into this study. The researchers administered questionnaires, and performed chest radiographys, and pulmonary function tests (PFT) on participants. The survey was conducted during July, 2009.
RESULTS
Among former workers the number of lung fibrosis, pleural plaque, pleural calcification, and pleural thickening was 13(20.6%), 6(9.5%), 3(4.8%), and 1(1.6%) in chest radiography, respectively. Asbestos-related disorders and abnormal pulmonary function test groups had higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Participants with crocidolite exposure or long latency period had higher asbestos-related x-ray findings or abnormal PFT findings.
CONCLUSIONS
Former asbestos textile workers had a high rate of asbestos-related disorders. Workers with crocidolite exposure or having had a longer latency period had more asbestos-related disorders. Because gradual increase of asbestos related disorders among high asbestos exposure group is expected, sustained, and intensive management is needed for these former workers.
