Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of marble dust on pulmonary functions, respiratory symptoms and chest X-ray.

Methods: 236 marble workers and 102 adults working as officer and technician in the same workplace were included in this study. Marble workers were divided into three groups: Marble mine workers (group-a, 42), marble factory workers (group-b, 140), marble workshop workers (group-c, 54) and technician (group-d, 102). All subjects underwent a detailed physical examination and pulmonary function tests. Standart chest x-rays of subjects were obtained. Dust concentration in the working enviroment was measured by gravimetrical method.

Results: There were no significant differences of cigarette packet year between the groups (p>0.05). Total exposure time to marble dust was significantly higher in group-a (p<0.05). The higher dust concentration was in the marble workshops (11.7 mg/m_). Cough was more prevalent in all marble workers than group-d. On the other hand; sputum and chronic bronchitis in group a and b were significantly higher than group c and group-d (p<0.05). No significant differences were found between groups for pulmonary function test (p>0.05). According to ILO classification, increase in the 1/0 p densities were detected in 5 subjects of group-a, 3 subjects of group-b and 3 subjects of group-c.

Conclusion: Marble dust workers more frequently have respiratory symptoms and abnormalities on chest X-ray.