Chronic bronchitis in miners and non-miners: an epidemiological survey of a community in the gold-mining area in the Transvaal

Br J Ind Med. 1967 Jan;24(1):1-12. doi: 10.1136/oem.24.1.1.

Abstract

An epidemiological survey to determine the prevalence of chronic bronchitis in a mixed mining and non-mining population of Carletonville on the Witwatersrand is described. Eight hundred and twenty-seven men over the age of 35 years were investigated.

Chronic bronchitis is shown to significantly more common in miners than in non-miners for every age and smoking category with the exception of the non-smoker no significant difference exists in the prevalence of chronic bronchitis between the mining and non-mining groups.

Smoking habits were found to have overwhelming effects on the prevalence of chronic bronchitis in both groups.

It is suggested that a synergistic interplay of smoking and general underground aerial pollution (rather than dust inhalation alone) is responsible for the excess prevalence of chronic bronchitis in the miner who smokes.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Air Pollution
  • Bronchitis / epidemiology*
  • Bronchitis / etiology
  • Gold
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mining
  • Occupational Diseases*
  • Smoking
  • South Africa

Substances

  • Gold