Pneumoconiosis, coalmine dust and the PFR

Abstract

Overall, the paper by Jacobsen et al. is not only a landmark in the study of coalworkers' pneumoconiosis, but is a testimony to all of those who worked in the PFR. The scientific achievements of the PFR are extraordinary, especially when it is realized that it began when occupational epidemiology was in its infancy. The paper was highly influential in occupational hygiene by providing the probabilistic basis for setting exposure limits for respirable coalmine dust, in the UK, the US, and other countries. Although the estimates were later revised in studies with longer follow-up and inclusion of retired miners, the fundamental conclusions remained valid. They provided the impetus for major changes in occupational hygiene practice in coalminers, which has led to a substantial reduction in occupational lung disease among coalminers.