American journal of industrial medicine
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Although severe impairment of pulmonary function is believed to occur commonly in complicated pneumoconiosis, the relationships of simple coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) to pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms have remained under debate. The study aims to investigate if simple pneumoconiosis is associated with significant impairment of pulmonary function and increased risk of respiratory symptoms. ⋯ The findings of this study are consistent with simple CWP being a contributor to significant decrements in pulmonary function, and to increased risk of respiratory symptoms.