Epidemiological study of pneumoconiosis in the Italian poly(vinyl chloride) industry

Environ Health Perspect. 1981 Oct:41:153-7. doi: 10.1289/ehp.8141153.

Abstract

Among 1216 workers employed in a poly(vinyl chloride) production factory, 20 cases of pneumoconiosis were found. None of these workers had had previous exposure to organic or inorganic dusts; 731 had been exposed to PVC dust (employed in drying, sacking and blending of polymer) and 485 had been exposed to monomer alone. Chest x-ray films were read by two independent physicians utilizing the ILO/UC Pneumoconiosis Classification, 1971. X-ray abnormalities were characterized by limited profusion, irregular type and low gravidity; in a small percentage of cases these were associated with slight restrictive respiratory function impairments. All 20 workers with PVC-induced pneumoconiosis had been exposed to high PVC dust pollution for at least five years. Mild nonspecific alterations (profusion of 0/1 class) were found both in the group exposed to PVC dust and in the group exposed to VCM alone. Such changes (observed in 388 cases, 31.9% of the whole population), are related mainly to age and smoking habits, and the role of exposure is minor.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Dust
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumoconiosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Pneumoconiosis / epidemiology*
  • Pneumoconiosis / etiology
  • Polyvinyl Chloride / adverse effects*
  • Polyvinyls / adverse effects*
  • Radiography
  • Smoking
  • Vinyl Chloride / adverse effects*
  • Vinyl Compounds / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Dust
  • Polyvinyls
  • Vinyl Compounds
  • Polyvinyl Chloride
  • Vinyl Chloride