Some Aspects of Chronic Respiratory Diseases in Coalminers in New South Wales, Australia

1. Pneumoconiosis of coalminers is an occupational disease entity which appears to be a conglomerate of fibrosis, emphysema, bronchial obstruction, and simple clogging of the lung tissues and air spaces with dust. In the later stages recurrent respiratory infections add further parenchymal and pleural fibrosis and aggravate the emphysema.

2. The prevalence of penumoconiosis and of chronic obstructive bronchitis and emphysema amongst New South Wales coalminers is discussed.

3. Respirometer tests of lung function in miners have been compared with more detailed laboratory studies and appear to have considerable value for use in field work amongst miners.

4. Systems of classification and grading of disease in use in New South Wales are described. They are useful for continuing studies in epidemiology and of the effectiveness of preventive measures, and can be used as a basis for compensation assessments.

5. Supervised breathing exercises and intermittent positive pressure oxygen breathing with aerosols have value in the treatment of these diseases.

6. Some results of post mortem studies are given.