Occupational diseases. Epidemiological trends of the occupational dust diseases, prevention and early diagnosis

Abstract

The aim of the study was to present the main groups of occupational diseases In Bulgaria, as well as the epidemiological trends and the prognosis of the benign and malignant occupational dust diseases in workers exposed to non-organic dust up to 1985y, and during 1985 - 2003 periods, as well as to propose ideas for adequate medical check-up. Materials and methods. We investigated the all number of patients with benign and malignant occupational dust diseases in Bulgaria during the period 1985 - 2000y was investigated. The information was obtained by the last regional departments for medical service of pneumoconiosis in Bulgaria. Addition- ally, we investigated dust diseases in 116 miners from brown coal mining in Bobov dol mine, 113p. - from black coal mining in Balkan mine, 53p. - from anthracite coal mining in Antra, 198 - from lead-zinc ore mining in Lucky, Gorubso, and 120 asbestos exposed workers, who have worked since 1985 to 2003y, and 121 non-exposed workers have used as a control group. A clinical (anamnesis, physical examination), radiological (chest ex-ray, accounted by ILO'80) and spirometry was done of dust exposed workers and non-exposed screened individuals were performed. A non-parametric statistical analysis with significance calculation (P) by us age SPSS software was done. Additionally, the all number and the incidence of malignant mesothelioma per 100000 person's population were investigated. Results and discussion. The dust diseases in exposed workers up to 1985y decrease. We detected new diagnosed pneumoconiosis and occupational dust bronchitis in patients with 10+years exposure to quartz and asbestos, who have been worked up to 1985y. It has been accounted an increase of the incidence of malignant mesothelioma during the period 1990 - 2000y. Conclusions. We prognosticate a rise in the incidence of silicosis, asbestosis, and mesothelioma in the future 10-20 y. due to low quality of the preventive measures in the basic dust industries in Bulgaria during the last two decades. We consider it is necessary to perform wide studies in dust exposed workers, and to create a register of the dust, as well as of the exposed workers, and of the dust diseases in Bulgaria. Scripta Scientifica Medica 2009; 41(1): 103-106.