Situation of silicosis in workers who had direct exposure with silica dust at an iron manufacturing company in Thai Nguyen province in 2019

Abstract

The working environment of Tien Bo iron mine has many occupational risk factors, including silica dust, which increases the
risk of occupational silicosis in workers. The study aimed to describe the current prevalence of silicosis in workers at Tien Bo iron mine in Thai Nguyen province in 2019. A cross – sectional study was conducted. Face - to - face interview, measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, height and weight, as well as clinical examination, respiratory function test and radiographic examinations were conducted for workers who had been exposed to silica in Tien Bo iron mine. The research results
showed that the silicosis prevalence rate was 16.2%. Most of the small rounded opacities were p-opacities, which accounted for 43.8%. The radiograph showed that the subcategory 1/1 standard radiograph accounted for 43.8%. Most workers had a normal pulmonary function. The percentages of workers with restrictive pulmonary dysfunction, and obstructive pulmonary dysfunction were 4% and 5.1%, respectively. There was not a statistically signifcant difference in the prevalence of
silicosis among groups of different gender, age and experience levels.