US EPA

3101025 

Technical Report 

A Roentgenologic Study of the Effects of Dust Inhalation upon the Lungs 

Pancoast, HK; Miller, TG; Landis, HRM 

1917 

NIOSH/00075932 

32 

97-108 

Roentgenologic changes in lungs affected by pneumoconiosis are characterized based on studies of 137 workers, including tobacco workers, silk workers, potters, metal grinders, cement workers, asbestos (1332214) workers, coal miners, marine firemen, and carpet and plush workers. The pathogenesis of pneumoconiosis is briefly described. Roentgenological changes are divided into three stages. The first stage is characterized by an increase in the hilus shadows and a thickening of the usually prominent trunk shadows and by an undue prominence of the finer linear markings. The second stage is characterized by a more or less uniformly arranged mottling throughout the lung structure due to depositions of dust in the lymph structures, cells, and fibrous tissue interspaces, with the addition of a certain amount of localized fibrosis. In the third stage, diffuse fibrosis appears. Exceptions to the characteristics of the stages are mentioned, and differentiation from tuberculosis is outlined. In addition, differentiation among occupations with regard to the roentgenologic appearance is described. Four roentgenograms are given.