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Arumugam E, Rajkumar P, Dhanaraj B, Govindasamy E, Jaganathasamy N, Mathiyazhakan M, Nethaji Mariappan VE, Shanmugam S, Durairajan C, Rajadurai S, Joshua V, Jayaraman Y. Determining pulmonary function and the associated risk factors among stone quarry workers in a suburban area of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Lung India 2021; 38:558-563. [PMID: 34747739 PMCID: PMC8614606 DOI: 10.4103/lungindia.lungindia_63_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Stone quarrying activities generate dust and fine particulate matters of silica and heavy metals. The prolonged exposure to suspended particulates leads to fatal respiratory complications. Occupational pulmonary complications are poorly characterized among quarry workers in Tamil Nadu. Objectives: This study aims to assess pulmonary function and determine the associated risk factors among quarry workers. Materials and Methods: A comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2014 to January 2015 among workers at seven stone quarries in Chennai and residents within a 5 Km radius. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) and sputum analysis were done. Results: Overall, 670 participants were enrolled in the study, with a median age of 37 years. Comparatively, the mean PFT measures were significantly lower in quarry workers with a higher proportion of airflow obstruction and tuberculosis infection. Conclusion: The risk of airflow obstruction among quarry workers increased with smoking and longer duration of work years in quarry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elangovan Arumugam
- Division of Computing and Information Science, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Prabu Rajkumar
- Division of Computing and Information Science, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Baskaran Dhanaraj
- Clinical Research, ICMR National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Elavarasu Govindasamy
- Division of Computing and Information Science, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Nagaraj Jaganathasamy
- Division of Computing and Information Science, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Malathi Mathiyazhakan
- Division of Computing and Information Science, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Sivakumar Shanmugam
- Clinical Research, ICMR National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Chokkalingam Durairajan
- Division of Computing and Information Science, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sivanesan Rajadurai
- Division of Computing and Information Science, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vasna Joshua
- Division of Computing and Information Science, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Yuvaraj Jayaraman
- Division of Computing and Information Science, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Mineworkers in South Africa experience a triple burden of disease due to their distinct work experience. Silicosis increases their risk of tuberculosis (TB), exacerbated by the HIV epidemic. Work-related factors are likely to increase transmission, severity, and post infection sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Understanding these relationships is important to control the impact of the epidemic. RECENT FINDINGS SARS-CoV-2 infection rates among mineworkers exceed the population rates in the provinces in which those mines are located. Migrant work, living in crowded hostels, working in narrow poorly ventilated shafts mainly underground constitute important factors that increase transmission risk. Mineworkers continue to experience high levels of silica exposure. The prevalences of silicosis, HIV and pulmonary TB, remain high. Interstitial lung disease, pulmonary TB, and HIV have all been associated with poorer outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Mineworkers with post infection respiratory sequelae are likely to lose their jobs or lose income, due to the physically demanding nature of underground minework. SUMMARY Further research into the unique work-related risk factors in mining that influence the COVID-19 epidemic is crucial for optimizing current interventions. Reducing SARS-CoV-2 infection transmission, health monitoring of infected and vulnerable workers, and following up of postinfection outcomes is essential to protect the respiratory health of miners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajen N. Naidoo
- Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban
| | - Mohamed F. Jeebhay
- Occupational Medicine Division and Centre for Environmental & Occupational Health Research (CEOHR), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Abstract
This overview provides an update on silicosis epidemiology with review of exposures and emerging trends in acute and accelerated silicosis in the twenty-first century. The silicosis epidemics in mining, denim sandblasting, and engineering stone industries are highlighted. Clinical presentations of silicosis and silica-related conditions such as autoimmune, kidney, and mycobacterial disease, as well as lung cancer, are discussed. Important aspects of the new OSHA 2017 Silica Standard are presented. This review also includes practical guidance for clinicians to address questions that may arise when evaluating silica-exposed patients and to the public health responses needed following a diagnosis of silica-related disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silpa Krefft
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206, USA; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, CO, USA; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Jenna Wolff
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Cecile Rose
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206, USA; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA
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