Pneumoconiosis in the Haematite Iron Ore Mines of West Cumbria. A Study of 45 Years of Control

Le résumé fourni par la source

Pneumoconiosis amongst haematite miners in West Cumbria has been studied over a 45-year period. In 1934 the disease caused the deaths of miners in early middle life from massive lung fibrosis, often complicated by tuberculosis and sometimes by carcinoma. Many more suffered from advanced emphysema and had to cease heavy face work 20 years before their time for retirement. The X-ray appearances and clinical symptoms are described. Studies have been carried out on the lung physiology and comparisons made with similar groups of South Wales coal miners. All haematite miners have been examined clinically and radiologically before admission to the industry and regular two yearly examinations by radiography have been made. Men with complicated pneumoconiosis (progressive massive fibrosis) have been withdrawn from dusty jobs and, where indicated, referred for treatment. Men with uncomplicated pneumoconiosis have been allowed to work in good conditions and have been carefully supervised. The methods of mining control are described demonstrating the changes from dense dustiness with many times the allowed limit of nitrous fumes to excellent conditions. Serial dust counts over many years have been personally undertaken, and subsequently regular estimations of mass of respirable dust per m 3 of air. The results show that there has been almost complete elimination of dust during the past 20 years. The disease has been eradicated and no miner who commenced work after 1935 has shown X-ray evidence of proved pneumoconiosis. No case has been certified by the Pneumoconiosis Panel for 17 years. Men are now fit to work at the face until retirement age, and young men are no longer aware that such a condition ever existed.

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