This study investigated case clusters of pneumoconiosis among residents near cement factories in Young_Wol, Korea.

There were 1,396 residents of a total 3,418 residents surveyed for this study. Informations on demographics, health-related behaviors (smoking and drinking), past medical history, and clinical symptoms were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. All study participants underwent a physical examination, including chest X-ray, and physicians' interview. Chest CT (computerized tomography) was taken if there was abnormal finding on chest X-ray and physicians' interview.

We detected 5 cases of pneumoconiosis. 2 cases were related to occupational exposure to dust, such as underground mining and the breaking up of concrete. However, 3 cases were not related to occupational or environmental exposure, except that persons were living near cement factories and limestone mines.

This study suggests that the long-term exposure of cement dust among residents near cement factories and mines may lead to the development of pneumoconiosis.