Role of magnetopneumography measurement for prevention of pneumoconiosis

It is estimated that 400,000 people in Japan are currently working in environments with serious particle contamination [1]. The particles, including Fe3O4, may be inhaled from work or urban environments, and cause pneumoconiosis. Accordingly, Japan has established particle control laws and strictly regulates work environments. Despite this, the incidence of lung disease due to particles is exhibiting no decreasing trend, and in recent years new cases have been regularly appearing. The reason that the contamination of new individuals cannot be prevented is that there are no methods for measuring the quantities of particles accumulated in the lungs. We have historically relied upon X-rays for the diagnosis of this disease, even though fine particles lodged in the lungs for long periods are almost impossible to detect with Xrays. Thus the illness is not detected until the condition worsens and produces changes in the structure of the lungs. When the condition become detectable with X-rays, it is already too late to transfer the focus in the lungs and complication. In any case, it is essential that we know the quantity of particles in the lungs before illness occurs. However, many years ago, Dr. Cohen et al [2] developed a method to measure the quantity of particles accumulated in the lungs. This method exploits the magnetic properties of the particles and is currently being used in clinics. Measurement of the magnetic fields of the lung, called magnetopneumography, uses the magnetic characteristic of particles which have accumulated in the lung. The purpose of this research is to use measurement equipment to measure the amount of particles deposited in the lungs. Regular examination of the physical condition of laborers they are within in contaminating workplaces, with a procedure that can detect particulates within safe limits, should prevent pneumoconiosis and new pneumoconiosis cases. In addition, we wanted to learn what correlation cause are particles accumulated in the lung. A number of correlated parameters are identified, and prevention and control of pneumoconiosis are made possible more reasonably and effectively.