A survey of respiratory symptoms and lung function in ferrochromium and ferrosilicon workers

Lung function and the prevalence of generalized obstructive lung diseases (GOLD) were studied in three groups of electrofurnace workers in a ferrochromium and ferrosilicon-producing plant. When compared with an internal reference group forced vital capacity was reduced in all groups. Compared with an external reference group the prevalence of GOLD was increased in all three groups. It is known that traces of chromates are present in the working atmosphere at the plant. No connection between the presence of chromates and GOLD could be documented. It is suggested that the documented adverse effects are due to high levels of total dust, possibly with an additional effect due to exposure to amorphus silica dust.