Table 1

A summary of studies which estimated lung function loss associated with average cumulative dust exposure or average duration of exposure*

Exposure indicesEstimated loss of FEV1 and FVC associated with mean cumulative respirable dust or duration of dust exposure
ReferencenMean age (y)Mean duration of dust exposure (y)Mean respirable dust (mg/m3); % of silicaMean cumulative respirable dust (mg/m3-y)FEV1 (ml); loss per year (ml/y)FEV1/FVC (%)FVC (ml)
*Only studies for which the loss in lung function could be estimated.
†Respirable dust measured before hydrochloric acid treatment.
‡Additional loss associated with silicosis ILO category 3/3.
§Respirable silica.
NS, statistically not significant; NA, data not available.
Studies where radiological signs of silicosis were found or where results for radiological silicosis were not reported
Wiles and Faure, 197729
 Hnizdo, 199030226050240.6†; 30%13.4236; 9.8 ml/y2.3217
Cowie and Mabena, 199133119746250.6†; 30%NA200; 8.0
 447‡3.3NS 
 351‡
Manfreda et al, 1982349539130.5; 8%NA325NS364
Kreiss et al, 198935281449NA; 19%8.3155NSNS
Studies where radiological signs of silicosis were not found
Malmberg et al, 1993364552220.16 §;NA7.21503.2NS
Humerfelt et al, 199843445387<0.2 §;NANA31; 4.34.5NS
Meijer et al, 2001514436110.8; 9%7.0NS2.2NS
Jorna et al, 1994617245122.2; 12%NA124; 113.8NS