Journal List > Korean J Occup Environ Med > v.22(4) > 1125627

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Bae, Kang, Kim, Kim, Kim, Kim, and Kim: Respiratory Symptoms, Pulmonary Function Tests, and Asbestos Related Chest Radiograph Abnormalities of Former Asbestos Textile Factory Workers
Original Article

Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2010; 22(4): 331-344.

Published online: 31 December 2010

DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2010.22.4.331

Respiratory Symptoms, Pulmonary Function Tests, and Asbestos Related Chest Radiograph Abnormalities of Former Asbestos Textile Factory Workers

Hyunsook Bae1, Dongmug Kang1, 2, 3, Youngki Kim2, Jongeun Kim2, Yunseong Kim4, Kun-Il Kim5, Kunhyung Kim6

1Department of Preventive and Occupational Medicine, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Korea.

2Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Korea.

3Pusan National University Medical Research Institute, Korea.

4Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Korea.

5Department of Radiology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Korea.

6Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, KOSHA, Korea.

Corresponding author (kangdm@pusan.ac.kr)

Received 3 August 2010       Revised 8 October 2010       Accepted 8 October 2010

Copyright © 2010 The Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, asbestos-related chest radiograph abnormalities and abnormal pulmonary function tests among former asbestos textile factory workers and to reveal the related factors of these abnormal findings.

Methods

There were 119 persons former asbestos textile industry workers registered in the health management pocketbook. Of 97 retired asbestos workers living in Busan, Yangsan and Gimhae, 63(64.9%) retired asbestos workers were enrolled into this study. The researchers administered questionnaires, and performed chest radiographys, and pulmonary function tests (PFT) on participants. The survey was conducted during July, 2009.

Results

Among former workers the number of lung fibrosis, pleural plaque, pleural calcification, and pleural thickening was 13(20.6%), 6(9.5%), 3(4.8%), and 1(1.6%) in chest radiography, respectively. Asbestos-related disorders and abnormal pulmonary function test groups had higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Participants with crocidolite exposure or long latency period had higher asbestos-related x-ray findings or abnormal PFT findings.

Conclusions

Former asbestos textile workers had a high rate of asbestos-related disorders. Workers with crocidolite exposure or having had a longer latency period had more asbestos-related disorders. Because gradual increase of asbestos related disorders among high asbestos exposure group is expected, sustained, and intensive management is needed for these former workers.

Keywords: Asbestos textile, Pocketbook, Retirement

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