In the present study, there were no significant differences on PFT results when sandblasters were compared
with stone carvers. However, while DL values were
only slightly altered in the artisans, pronounced changes
were observed in the sandblasters (P = 0.02). Interestingly,
DLCO has been found to be fairly correlated with gas
exchange abnormalities during exercise, and particularly
to be the best predictive and sensitive index of a fall in
PaO2.