Occurrence and prevention of coal miners' pneumoconiosis in Poland

Background Coal production is one of the largest industries in Poland and incidence of coal miners' pneumoconiosis is high. Methods Data concerning the epidemiology of coal miners' pneumoconiosis stem from the national register and previous investigations performed in Poland improvements in medical and technical methodologies for the prevention of pneumoconiosis is discussed. Results Analysis of the dust concentration measurements shows that TLV values are exceeded in 90% of underground workplaces. The number of new pneumoconiosis cases diagnosed annually ranges from 400-800 and has been showing a diminishing tendency in the last five years. Recently, a new system of medical and technical prevention has been introduced in seven collieries. Conclusions The current epidemiological situation of coal miners pneumoconiosis in poland is unfavorable and needs vast improvement. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.