Objective: To develop and consolidate a comprehensive database on the occurrence of pneumoconioses in an industrialized region of Brazil, with a special focus on the activities most frequently related to these diseases. Methods: A retrospective, observational study was conducted in order to gather data on cases of pneumoconioses treated at the outpatient clinic of the State University at Campinas Hospital das Clínicas between 1978 and 2003. Individuals diagnosed with pneumoconiosis, based on their occupational history and on chest X-ray findings of abnormalities consistent with interstitial lung disease involving the parenchyma, in accordance with the 1980 and 2000 recommendations of the International Labour Organization, were included in the study. Results: A total of 1147 cases of pneumoconiosis were identified (1075 in males and 72 in females): 1061 cases of silicosis (92.5%); 51 cases of mixed-dust pneumoconiosis (4.45%); 15 cases of asbestosis (1.31%); 13 cases of phosphate rock-related pneumoconiosis (1.13%); and 7 cases of other types of pneumoconiosis (0.6%), including those related to exposure to coal, graphite and hard metals. The most common chest X-ray findings were 1/0, 1/1 or 1/2 profusion and small regular opacities (p, q or r), although 192 patients (16.74%) presented large opacities. There has been a substantial decline in the occurrence of the disease since the 1990s, and the duration of exposure was typically shorter than that observed in a study conducted in the United States. Conclusions: Our findings have been compiled into a comprehensive database for the investigation of pneumoconiosis in an industrialized area of Brazil. These data make it possible to conduct follow-up studies and develop health policies related to occupational respiratory disorders.

Keywords: Occupational medicine; Respiratory tract diseases/epidemiology; Pneumoconiosis; Epidemiology.

Background: Dyspnea is a symptom that is difficult to evaluate, especially in occupational diseases. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between chronic dyspnea, in its varying degrees of severity, and the functional repercussions for dysfunction or incapacitation in former workers with asbestosis. Method: A total of 40 former workers diagnosed with asbestosis were evaluated. Dyspnea scores were determined using the modified Medical Research Council scale, the 1984 and 1993 American Medical Association scales, and the Baseline Dyspnea Index. Spirometry, measurement of diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide and cardiopulmonary exercise tests (incremental and submaximal) were also performed. Results: Based on scores obtained using the Medical Research Council and 1984 American Medical Association scales, respectively, 72.5% and 67.5% of the subjects were classified as dyspneic, compared with 37.5% and 31.6%, respectively, using the 1993 American Medical Association and Baseline Dyspnea Index scales. There was greater concordance between the Medical Research Council and 1993 American Medical Association scales, as well as between the 1984 and 1993 American Medical Association scales, when the categories of "absent" and "mild" were grouped. No significant relation was found between dyspnea, as determined by each of the scales, and functional abnormalities - either at rest or during exercise. Conclusion: In individuals with asbestosis, the degree of concordance among the available dyspnea scales varies significantly. There is a real need for dyspnea indices that evaluate respiratory dysfunction at rest and during exercise.

Keywords: Asbestosis/diagnosis. Dyspnea/physiopathology. Spirometry/methods.