Chronic Nonspecific Lung Disease in Cement Workers

Abstract

The prevalence of chronic nonspecific lung disease was studied in four samples of cement workers and in adequate controls. British Medical Research Council’s examination technique was used. Smoking, age, and to some extent socioeconomic factors were taken into account In all samples the prevalence rates of characteristic respiratory symptoms and syndromes were significantly higher in cement workers. The higher prevalence rates were found in workers with longer rather than shorter work experience in cement production. The results suggest that exposure to occupational factors in cement plants may play a role in the occurrence and development of chronic nonspecific lung disease. However, further studies are needed to clarify more precisely the nature of the association observed.