Estudio epidemiológico de la silicosis en las minas del Perú

Abstract

This epidemiological study attempts to determine the relation that exists between environmental factors and silicosis. Evaluation studies were conducted from 1949 to 1969 primarily in mines exploiting lead, zinc, and copper. These mines are located at altitudes of more than 3,000 meters above sea level and were selected because they present data of a statistically consistent and representative nature

The writer has determined that the equation adopted by the "American Conference of Governmental Industry Hygienists" of the United States of America to explain the permissible concentration of siliceous dust in the air is not applicable in Peru, because it represents a value that exceeds by two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half times the recommended concentration. He also discards the equation formulated by A. Yataco (see the Boletín de la OPS, August, 1967)

It should be noted that silicosis is the principal occupational illness - especially characteristic of Peru - which the Peruvian miners encounter and suffer, while working in the mines which are located 4,000 to 5,000 meters above sea level. In addition to this unique situation, the Peruvian miners also differ ethnically, dietetically and socially from miners in other countries

Without doubt, the element of height reduces the partial pressure of the atmospheric oxygen conditions affecting the worker's physiological reactions, namely the ... (AU)