[Epidemiological study of chronic bronchitis in a population of workers in a fertilizer factory].

The authors investigated the influence of working conditions--with particular reference to dust and fluorite pollution--on the epidemiology of chronic bronchitis in 197 subjects working in a fertilizer producing plant in Krakow (Poland). The investigation included history, respiratory function tests (VC, TVC), height and weight measurement, rhinolaryngologic examination, nasal mucosa cytology and physical examination. The environmental survey included measurements of the dust respirable fraction and fluorite concentration in the air.

Sickness absence caused by chest diseases in relation to smoking and chronic bronchitis symptoms.

The relationship between sickness absence caused by chest diseases, smoking habit, and symptoms of chronic bronchitis among the workers of a fertilizer factory in Karaków is examined. The analysis of absence was based on the spells and days of absence registered during a period of six years. The results show that the group of workers with symptoms of chronic bronchitis had many more spells and days of absence caused by chest diseases than persons free from these symptoms.

Validity of questionnaire criteria in mass screening for the diagnosis of peptic ulcer.

Epidemiological studies of peptic ulceration in the stomach and duodenum based on a standard questionnaire were carried out among the employees of a sulphur mine. The results obtained in the preliminary cross-sectional study were checked against a sample of 180 people who had undergone radiological examination of the alimentary tract. The validity of the questionnaire was then assessed by comparison of these two sets of results.