Summary:
The objective of the paper is to summarize current data on influence of quartz on the development of chronic bronchitis and
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of the paper is to justify integration of COPD caused by SiO2 to the list of
occupational diseases to be reviewed.
The author submits a review of epidemiological surveys, which confirm the role of SiO2 in the progress of chronic bronchitis and
COPD.
Key words:
stages of COPD, pathophysiology of SiO2 activity, chronic bronchitis, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers BAL, smoking
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