Objectif The object of the research is to determine the incidence of the respiratory disease (pneumoconiosis and chronic obstructive lung disease) by means of clinical studies, X-rays and respiratory function tests on miners employed in coal mines in Sardinia, with reference to the clinical and laboratory data obtained at the time of the pre-recruitment medical examinations and periodic examinations carried out over a number of years. The results of the examinations produced by the project can be used in conjunction with the results of environmental measurements currently being taken as part of the ECSC research programm on occupational health in mines, with a view to optimizing technical prevention and personal protection programmes for the workforce.The exposed population, which numbered around 1 000 workers at the beginning of the project, will probably double over the next five years. The workers will be examined at least in the four years of the project using the following methods: -ECSC questionnaire (1988 version); -routine chest X-ray; -study of respiratory function. As regards environmental conditions, the degree of environmental and individual exposure to dust is already being evaluated as part of the ECSC Research Programme on environmental hygiene in mines. METHODS AND MEANS BY WHICH THESE AIMS ARE TO BE ACHIEVEDThe chest X-rays will be carried out and classified in accordance with the 1980 ILO recommendations. The respiratory function tests will comprise: -determination of lung volumes and forced expiratory flows by means of computerized dry spirometry, -measurement of the CO transfer with the single-breath method and simultaneous measurement of alveolar volume and residual volume; -determination of fixed-frequency oscillation resistance (10 Hz) and of functional residual capacity with the forced rebreathing method. An investigation will also be made of the interaction between occupational hazards and a number of potenzial individual factors, such as the presence of a heterozygous phenotype for alpha-1-antitrypsin or hypersensitivity, which were identified in previous research projects. Programme(s) ECSC-MEDRES 5C - Fifth medical research programme (ECSC) "Protection of workers against risks arising from work in the coal and steel industries", 1988-1992 Thème(s) Data not available Appel à propositions Data not available Régime de financement CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Coordinateur Università di Cagliari Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse Via San Giorgio 12 09124 Cagliari Italie Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée
