DOLE-OSHC holds first pneumoconiosis training in the Philippines
“We have many workers at risk of pneumoconiosis and very few studies about this disease. Few cases have been reported but there are gaps in the diagnoses, exposure assessment and interventions. It’s high time that we conduct a training on reading x-rays for pneumoconiosis,” said Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) Executive Director Ma. Teresita S. Cucueco, MD, CESO III.
Pneumoconiosis is a general term for lung diseases caused by breathing in dust which are then deposited into the lungs causing inflammation and scarring. This is disease is usually developed through exposure to dusts from asbestos, silica and coal which are often found in the workplace.
Workers at risk of pneumoconiosis are those working in the mining, power generation, construction and manufacturing (metals, glass, ceramic, porcelain, cement, concrete and clay products) industries. Informal sector workers who do backyard pottery, small-scale mining and quarrying and car repair are also exposed to dusts that can cause pneumoconiosis.
The Asian Intensive Reading (AIR) of Radiographs for Pneumoconiosis Training Workshop is the first ever to be held in the country. The OSHC invited experts from the AIR Pneumoconiosis Committee to lecture on the International Labor Organization (ILO)’s 2011 Classification of Radiographs or X-rays for pneumoconiosis, principles and quality of chest X-rays, ILO X-ray standards and recording among others. This aims to equip occupational physicians in diagnosing pneumoconiosis.
Some 22 medical officers, radiologists and consultants from the OSHC, Employees Compensation Commission, UP College of Public Health and various hospitals across the country attended the three-day training.
END/ DJ Romero
Any question on this release? Please contact Ma. Teresita S. Cucueco, MD, CESO III, executive director, Occupational Safety and Health Center, North Avenue corner Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City with telephone numbers 929-6036 to 39 and e-mail address: oshcenter@dole.gov.ph
