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For every communicable disease, the construction of a database is fundamental to prioritizing related measures (educational, prevention and control), as well as to the development of public health policies. Although various countries possess reliable systems of epidemiological surveillance, Brazil still lacks an adequate structure for the collection, processing and dissemination of data. We consider it imperative that the health professionals working in this area make a unified effort, as soon as possible, to compile a database that suitably addresses the epidemiology of occupational respiratory diseases.

Background: In the city of Petrópolis, Brazil, artisans carve souvenirs from a variety of silica-containing minerals. The finding of pulmonary massive fibrosis in one of the workers motivated an investigation of the prevalence of silicosis in this group., Methods: Between January 2000 and June 2002, a cross-sectional study was performed. We obtained clinical and occupational histories, spirometry, lung volumes, and carbon monoxide diffusion capacity measurements. Chest radiographs and high-resolution computed tomographies (HRCT) were evaluated. Personal air samples were analyzed., Results: Forty-two stone carvers were examined. The prevalence of silicosis was 53.7%. HRCT better characterized silicotic lesions compared to chest radiographs. Early coalescence of small opacities was associated with lung function impairment. The concentration of dust exceeded permissible limits in 91% of the workplaces., Conclusions: Exposure to high levels of silica dust was associated with an increased prevalence of silicosis among stone carvers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 45:194-201, 2004., (Copyright 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

To obtain information about the occurrence of pleural mesothelioma on a population basis in Brazil, mortality related to pleural tumors in the State of Rio de Janeiro during 1979-2000 was examined. Death certificates with pleural tumors as the main cause of death and hospital records were analyzed, together with histopathologic material, which was reevaluated. Of 217 death certificates coded as pleural tumors, 34.1% were considered wrongly coded. Results after reclassification were: definite mesothelioma = 45 cases; probable = 7; possible = 31; inconclusive = 65; other tumors = 11. Thus, the number of mesotheliomas in Rio de Janeiro in 1979-2000 is estimated to have been 83. The analysis also suggests a problem with mortality codification in the State.

A case of broncholithiasis associated with massive silicosis is reported, showing a rare aspect of parenchymal lesions generating broncholiths as well as the presence of recurrent lithoptysis, with subsequent regression of radiological lesions. Aetiological, clinical, physiopathological, and radiological aspects of the disease are discussed, demonstrating the importance of the use of computed tomography in diagnosis. The mineralogical analysis of expectorated fragments is also shown.