Occupational emphysema in South African miners at autopsy; 1975 –2014

ConclusionsWe observed a significant relationship between mining tenure and emphysema severity among South African miners in PATHAUT between 1975 and 2014. This relationship was evident in multi-variable analyses adjusted for smoking among white miners. Hazards from long term exposure to inhaled mineral dust leading to lung damage (silicosis, fibrosis, COPD) is evident and warrants further improvement of working conditions and prevention measures in South African mines especially for black workers. Further research is needed to determine if there is an effect of TB and HIV co-infection on the development of emphysema.

http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s00420-018-1335-2

Source: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health - July 16, 2018 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research