| Introduction and objectives: This research effort investigated three study areas. Firstly, the impact of ATS/ERS "acceptability" and "repeatability" criteria for spirometry on the estimates of restrictive ventilatory defect was assessed in a population of taconite miners. The estimates of restrictive ventilatory defect were made using three different pulmonary function tests (spirometry, alveolar volume and diffusing capacity).;Secondly, the association between cumulative silica exposures in taconite mining and non-malignant respiratory disease (NMRD) outcomes was evaluated. Cumulative silica exposure was determined using current and historical exposure measurements while health outcomes were assessed from a cross-sectional screening study of taconite mine workers.;The final study area explored the joint effects of silica dust, elongate mineral particles (EMP) and non-silica respirable dust on exposure-NMRD association in miners, also using health outcomes from cross-sectional screening. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.). |
