A pilot investigation into the occurrence of pneumoconiosis in large power stations in South Wales.

Abstract

In the large electricity generating stations where coal is used both the coal and the resultant ash are enclosed and handled mechanically. Never theless, considerable quantities of dust are found on the tops of machinery, on ledges, and in crevices, and the workmen in some parts of the station get their faces and clothes covered with dust. As there have been, as far as it is known, no previous studies of the possibility of pneumo coniosis arising from exposure to dust in electricity generating stations, it was decided in the first instance to examine radiologically a group of men employed in these stations in South Wales. South Wales was chosen because the mobile x-ray unit of the M.R.C. Pneumoconiosis Research Unit, which could ensure films of a high technical standard, was close at hand, and pneumoconiosis was more likely to occur in stations handling coal from the South Wales fields where miners show a higher incidence of dust disease than in any other British coal field. It was also supposed that in this region, where the association of pneumoconiosis with coal dust is so well known, the cooperation from the men would be good. There was, however, one disadvantage which was not overlooked. Many of the men employed in power stations had also worked in coal mines for varying periods. If pneumoconiosis were found in these men it would be difficult to know which occupation had caused it. Four large stations were selected for the investiga tion because they were conveniently situated and were representative of the different conditions in this region, for example, in the type of coal used and the methods of stoking boilers. There appeared to be several sources of exposure to dust : from coal tipping in the bunker houses, and from the pulverizing mills and large pipes conveying the pulverized fuel, from the ash from boilers and precipitators, although much of the ash is carried away by water ; from the maintenance and repair of mechanical and electrical equipment by fitters and their mates, when a large amount of settled dust is disturbed, particularly in dismantling equipment ; and from the maintenance and cleaning of boilers and precipitators. It was not possible to separate the men employed on these jobs into occupational groups as most of the men are constantly changing their type of work. Bricklayers and laggers who are continually employed on this work, can, however, be con sidered separately. The bricklayers go inside boilers to chip away worn and broken silica bricks. During this work the boilers are open and a gentle air stream is passed through them but the men are exposed to considerable quantities of siliceous dust. The laggers strip asbestos off steam pipes being repaired, and are exposed to clouds of fine asbestos dust.