Implications of the Labrador Dust Study.

Joint medical and technical investigations of an iron ore mining and processing operation, over a 2 year period, has confirmed the presence of pneumoconiosis associated with respirable dust exposure above recognized threshold limit values. This study achieved short-term objectives in quantifying dust levels and the extent of pneumoconiosis, and in identifying the need for revised surveillance programs. Definitive conclusions on a variety of dust-related questions are possible by correlating the baseline data generated with a continuous monitoring program.