Abstract

LOPEZ ESPINOSA, Guillermo et al. Association between the working environment pollution and the respiratory diseases in a mining enterpri. Rev Cubana Med Gen Integr [online]. 2005, vol.21, n.5-6, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-3038.

An observational study was conducted in the Zeolite Mine-Plant of Ranchuelo municipality, province of Villa Clara, in 2003, aimed at showing the association existing between the working environment pollution and the respiratory diseases in the workers. To this end, information on working morbidity was collected and a chemical sanitary study of the working zone was undertaken. It was found that zeolite dust exceeded the admissible levels of exposure. 61.9 % of the medical certificates for respiratory diseases were issued in the months of high production. 76.4 % corresponded to workers from the area most exposed to dust, where 69.3 % of them have worked for 7-14 years. In the area of less exposure, the risk for presenting temporary working disability due to respiratory diseases is of 5.50 times. As the pollution of the working environment favored the development of respiratory affections, it is recommended to improve the operation conditions in the technological proceses as regards the dusting system.

Keywords : Zeolite mine-plant; working environment pollution; respiratory diseases.

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