High prevalence of diffuse parenchymal lung diseases among Turkish tinners.

The objective is to investigate the prevalence of parenchymal lung diseases among tinners. Twenty-four tinners who signed an informed consent form in the Gaziantep area were the subjects of this study. Demographics, spirometric test results, and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans were obtained for all the tinners. Out of 24 tinners, eleven tinners (46%) had HRCTs consistent with DPLD. Of these 11 subjects, HRCT findings were consistent with respiratory bronchiolitis interstitial lung disease in nine, usual interstitial pneumonia pattern in one, and non-specific interstitial pneumonia in one. HRCT patterns consistent with DPLDs are significantly prevalent among Turkish tinners. This is the first field study reporting this occupational lung hazard in tinners. Future research is needed to uncover the underlying mechanisms.