Pulmonary Function in Granite Shed Workers of Vermont

Abstract

Seven hundred ninety-two active granite shed workers from Barre, Vt, were studied to estimate the effect of granite dust on pulmonary function. From a complete occupational history and a comprehensive evaluation of the past and present environment, a total lifetime dust and quartz exposure for each worker was established.

Granite dust and quartz caused a decrease in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV_1.0), and total lung capacity (TLC), but not in residual volume (RV). This decrease was estimated by multiple regression analysis at 2 ml per dust-year. A dose-response for quartz and granite dust shows that the midpoint 50% is 32.5 dust-years for total dust and 35 quartzyears for free silica. From the present data, standards for exposure to both granite dust and quartz can be derived.