Pneumoconiosis among workers in a Vietnamese refractory brick facility.

Background: Vietnam is a rapidly industrializing country with increasing needs for building materials, including refractory bricks. The manufacture of refractory bricks results in high levels of free silica, a recognized occupational hazard.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 158 employees using a respiratory symptom questionnaire and ILO classification of radiographs for pneumoconiosis.