الفهرس 
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Abstract
Background: Decreased lung function; increased respiratory symptoms and diseases are related to health effects of dust particulates air pollution in quarries
Aim: To determine the respiratory problems of quarries workers and the possible associated risk factors for the development of these problems.
Subjects and Methods: Cross-sectional study included 150 workers exposed to quarries dusts, and 150 persons as controls. They were subjected to: interview sheet, clinical examination, ventilatory function tests and chest X-ray. HRCT was done only for 50 persons of the exposed group.
Results: Dry cough, productive cough, dyspnea, wheeze, chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma were 21.3%, 18.7%, 14%, 16.7%, 17% and 9% respectively among the exposed workers against 11.3%, 10%, 6%, 8.7%, 8% and 3% among the control workers (p value < 0.05). There were highly significant lower mean values of ventilatory function measurements with obstructive and restrictive lung disorders for the exposed workers than controls (p value < 0.01). Respiratory symptoms, diseases and reduced ventilatory function measurements were significantly related to duration of exposure, level of dust exposure, age and smoking habit of the exposed workers. Chronic simple silicosis was diagnosed by chest X-ray (17.3%) and HRCT (22%).
Conclusions: Occupational exposure to quarries dust leads to higher percentage of respiratory morbidity associated with ventilatory function impairment of mixed obstructive and restrictive pattern. Smoking augments these adverse effects. Chronic simple silicosis was significantly related to the age and dust exposure level and duration of the quarries workers.
Recommendations: Medical supervision, personal hygienic rules and dust control measures should be followed.