[Ventilatory function of the lungs in galenite ore miners]

Abstract

The study was carried out on a group of 54 galenite miners (composed of PbS slats) (age 37.9 +/- 7.5 years). The following parameters were assessed: VC, TLC, RV, RV%TLC, FEV1, FEV1%VC, Raw, Gaw, FEF50%, FEF75%. Also the ventilatory homogeneous index was calculated V2:V1 basing on the analysis of the flow volume curve. The control consisted of subjects living in the vicinity of the mine and smelting works. In 3.1% of the miners various stages of increased flow obstruction was found. In 8.3% signs of emphysematous changes, in 23.9% minor disturbances of bronchial resistance. In comparison with the control the miners demonstrated expiratory flow mainly in the small airways. Duration of exposure and co-existent chronic bronchitis increased the above mentioned observations and decreased the homogeneity index.