Radiographic abnormalities and duration of employment in Western Australian iron-ore miners

Med J Aust. 1988 Apr 4;148(7):332-4. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1988.tb133732.x.

Abstract

Plain chest radiographs of 788 Pilbara iron-ore miners from Western Australia have been examined by two independent observers for evidence of pneumoconiosis. The prevalence of any radiographic abnormality (a profusion grade of 0/1 or greater on the International Labour Office [ILO] scale) was 6.7% for Reader 1 and 9.9% for Reader 2. The prevalence of a definite radiographic abnormality (a profusion grade of 1/0 or greater on the ILO scale) was 1.9% for Reader 1 and 2.8% for Reader 2. The prevalence of any abnormality, as identified by either or by both observers, was significantly related to age. The relationship between a radiographic abnormality and the duration of employment was less clear. The results indicate a need for more detailed and comprehensive studies of the effects of iron-ore dust in this industry.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Employment
  • Humans
  • Iron*
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mining*
  • Pneumoconiosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pneumoconiosis / epidemiology
  • Radiography
  • Time Factors
  • Western Australia

Substances

  • Iron