Occupational diseases and their prevention in the coal industry
Vorontsova, E.I.
Vestnik Akademii Meditsinskikh Nauk SSSR 1981(1): 50-58
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-3027 PMID: 7467828 Document Number: 180623
Activities aimed at preventing occupational diseases among workers in the coal industry were summarized. Special attention was devoted to occupational diseases of respiratory organs due to dust. Comprehensive hygienic, clinical, and engineering and technical studies revealed the physicochemical characteristics of various kinds of coal dust and made it possible to establish the relationship of dust formation to the equipment used, the natural moisture content, strength and metamorphism of coals, and to the efficiency of anti-dust measures; to elucidate a number of aspects relating to clinical features and diagnosis of pneumoconiosis and dust bronchitis and to expert evaluations of the working capacity of those affected by these diseases; and to follow, in animal experiments, the development of fibrosis caused by coal dust. The introduction and implementation of health-promoting (engineering and technical and curative and preventive) measures resulted in improved working conditions and reduced occupational morbidity rates of miners, primarily as regards pathologic conditions associated with exposure to dust, noise and vibration. Prospects for research on the etiology and pathogenesis of the more common occupational illnesses were discussed.