Lung functions in phosphate miners in Jordan: a pilot study

Phosphate mining and processing is a major industry in Jordan. In this study of 56 workers in this industry, there was significant occurrence of cough, chronic bronchitis, and abnormal spirometry among smokers (p less than 0.1). There was no correlation between the spirometry, A-aDO2, and chest x-ray changes in this occupational group. Smoking was noted to be more detrimental to these workers than was their occupational exposure. Many parameters must be examined when evaluating this pneumoconiosis.