Table
17. Loss of lung function (FEV1)* associated
with cumulative exposure to respirable granite dust
|
Reference
and country
|
Study
design, cohort, and followup
|
Subgroup
|
Loss
of FEV1
|
Adjusted
for smoking
|
Comments
|
Observed
(estimated ml/yr)
|
Predicted
(ml per
mg/m3 year)
|
Eisen
et al. [1995],
United States |
Longitudinal
study of 618 white male granite workers hired after 1940, aged 2565;
employed 14.7 yr (mean), and followed 19701974 for annual pulmonary
function testing [Eisen et al. 1983]. Quartz content of dust was 11%
[Hosey et al. 1957]. |
Nonsmokers |
3472
|
|
Yes
|
Significant
dose-response (P<0.05) was observed in the "dropout"
group but not in the "survivor" group or the total cohort
[Eisen et al. 1983]. After 1940, granite dust concentrations in Vermont
granite sheds were <10 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf),
or a respirable silica concentration of about 0.075 mg/m3
[Davis et al. 1983]. |
Smokers |
5369
|
|
Nonsilicotic
nonsmokers |
|
4
|
Theriault
et al. [1974b],
United States |
Cross-sectional
study of 792 male, current granite shed workers aged 2565. Quartz
content of dust was 9% [Theriault 1974a] |
Granite
dust exposure |
1.6,§
|
3§
|
Yes
|
Predicted
loss based on results of linear regression models.
Predicted
loss based on results of multiple regression analysis. Exposure-response
relationship found between cumulative dust exposure and cumulative
quartz exposure and loss of FEV1.
|
Quartz
dust exposure |
1.5**
|
2.9§
|
*Forced
expiratory volume in 1 second.
In dropout group (i.e., subjects lost to followup).
No predicted loss in survivor group.
Per dust-year (i.e., granite shed dust exposure of
0.52 mg/m3 for 40 hr/week for 1 yr).
§Included silicotics.
**Per quartz-year (i.e., quartz dust exposure of 0.05 mg/m3
for 40 hr/week for 1 yr). |