Tuberc Respir Dis.  2011 Nov;71(5):341-348.

Annual Changes of Lung Function in Retired Workers Exposed to Inorganic Dusts

• Lee JO
• Choi BS
• Lee JS
• Jeong JY
• Lee HK

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to investigate annual changes in pulmonary function in workers who were exposed to inorganic dust.
METHODS
The subjects were 2,922 male patients who had been diagnosed with pneumoconiosis more than twice during 6 years from 2005 to 2010.
RESULTS
Of the 2,922 cases, forced vital capacity (FVC) decreased by 54 mL in 1 year. In contrast, the annual change of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) decreased by 56 mL.
CONCLUSION
This is the first study that has investigated the annual change in pulmonary function in workers exposed to inorganic dust. The results will help estimate the pulmonary condition of patients who are unable to perform a pulmonary function test due to age or a disorder.

Keyword

Respiratory Function Tests

MeSH Terms

Dust
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Lung
Male
Pneumoconiosis
Respiratory Function Tests
Vital Capacity
Dust

Figure

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  Figure 1 Mean decreased in the FVC values by pneumoconiosis opacity. FVC: forced vital capacity.

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  Figure 2 Mean decrease in the FEV1 by pneumoconiosis opacity. FEV1: forced expiratory volume in 1 second.

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