Table 4

Comparison between studies of occupational groups done on black men in South Africa at higher altitude

First authorMean age (y) Mean height (cm)AltitudeMen, age 38 y, height 171 cmType of sample
FEV1 (95% CI)FVC (95% CI)
Whiteet al 12 36.1, 167.315004.12 (3.99 to 4.25)3.46 (3.36 to 3.56)Textile workers
Louwet al 5 41.1, 169.717004.21 (4.14 to 4.28)3.44 (3.57 to 3.51)Bank workers, autolink
Hessel and Sluis-Cremer14 41.6, 171.44004.13 (—)3.29 (—)Vermiculite miners
Coetzee, cited in12 33.1, 169.417004.30 (4.25 to 4.35)3.55 (3.50 to 3.60)Asbestos workers
Mokoetle et al 13 42.0, 168.717004.42 (—)3.47 (—)University workers
Fox, cited in12 34.4, 171.712004.20 (4.16 to 4.24)3.52 (3.46 to 3.58)Copper or nickel miners
Our study38.7, 170.812004.12 (4.12 to 4.12)3.47 (3.47 to 3.47)Gold miners