Silicosis after short-term exposure

We studied the epidemiology of silicosis in Poland over 20 years. We focused on silicosis cases that after occupational exposure to silica of less than 5 years. Most of the cases occurred among industrial processing workers; manufacturing of mineral products being widely present in modern technologies. The results suggest that occupational health professionals and employers should improve protective and preventive measures in the silica related industries. Background Silicosis develops after inhalation of dust containing respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and is recognized as an occupational disease. Workers also develop accelerated and acute silicosis after shorter exposure to respirable silica dust at high concentrations. Aims The objective of this study is to investigate and identify the occupational groups at the highest risk of silicosis due to short-term RCS exposure. Methods All confirmed cases of silicosis reported to the Central Register of Occupational Diseases in Poland between 2000 and 2019 were included. Data analysis covered: gender, age at the time of occupational disease diagnosis, exposure duration to RCS and sector of the national economy. Results A total of 2066 confirmed cases of silicosis were analysed. Thirty-two cases occurred after RCS exposure shorter than 5 years. Median age was 50. Seventy-five per cent (n = 24) of these cases were diagnosed in industrial processing workers who were mainly employed in manufacturing of non-metallic mineral products (44%, n = 14) and metal production (19%, n = 6). 16% (n = 5) of cases were associated with employment in mining and quarrying, 6% (n = 2) in conservation of monuments and 3% (n = 1) in construction. Conclusions The findings identify occupational groups at risk of silicosis due to short-term silica exposure. Medical professionals should be aware of early silicosis symptoms, and occupational health professionals and employers should improve protective and preventive measures in silica related industries.