[Respiratory disease in foundry workers. An epidemiologic survey in three foundries (author's transl)].

The authors report the results of a survey performed in three cast iron foundries, with particular emphasis on the impairment of respiratory system in the involved workers. The results obtained showed a high prevalence of pneumoconiosis, which, as for roentgenologic and clinical features, appears to be different from usual silicotic pneumoconiosis. The highest prevalence of chronic bronchitis -- either associated or not with pneumoconiosis -- in the foundry workers examined is stressed, as well as the prevalence of squamous metaplasia of the bronchial epithelium. An important role in this aspect is supposed to be played not only by dusts, but even by tobacco smoke in favouring the onset of the above mentioned alterations is also confirmed.