An epidemic of silicosis among former denim sandblasters

Abstract

Sandblasting denim using silica has emerged as a new cause of silicosis in Turkey. Following the discovery of several cases of silicosis in (young) workers who used this process, the frequency and main occupational risk factors of silicosis among former denim sandblasters in the region of Erzurum (Turkey) were evaluated.Demographic characteristics and information on working conditions were obtained by questionnaire and interview. In addition, spirometry testing was performed and chest radiographs were evaluated according to International Labour Office (ILO) classification of pneumoconioses in 157 former denim sandblasters.All subjects were male, with a mean (range) age of 23 (15-44) yrs. They had worked for a mean (range) of 36 (1-120) months, starting employment at a 17 (10-38) yrs of age. Most subjects (83%) had respiratory symptoms, especially dyspnoea (52%) but also chest pain (46%). Radiological evidence of silicosis (ILO score 1/0 or higher) was present in 77 (53%) out of 145 subjects with interpretable chest radiographs. These subjects had lower forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity. The risk of silicosis correlated with seniority (i.e. working as a foreman), exposure duration and number of places of work.Considering the high prevalence rate of silicosis in such workplaces, further problems are inevitable in the future unless effective measures are taken.

Quality of life, depression and anxiety in young male patients with silicosis due to denim sandblasting

“…There is no effective treatment for silicosis and the main aim of treatment for this disease is to extend the survival and improve the quality of life of patients (3). Denim sandblasting is one of the most risky occupations for the development of silicosis (4). Nowadays, crystalline silica sand is used in denim manufacturing in order to obtain a "worn-out" appearance, and the numbers of denim sandblasting factories have increased in Turkey along with interest in this fashion (4,5).…”

“…Denim sandblasting is one of the most risky occupations for the development of silicosis (4). Nowadays, crystalline silica sand is used in denim manufacturing in order to obtain a "worn-out" appearance, and the numbers of denim sandblasting factories have increased in Turkey along with interest in this fashion (4,5). Most of these factories are unrestricted and have no worker health insurance or safety provisions (5-7).…”

“…Silicosis patients in Turkey are reported to be young and to have low incomes (3,4,8). Thirty five patients with silicosis were reported at the Turkish Thoracic Society symposium three years ago.…”

20 years of research and advocacy for a healthy and tobacco-free environment

“…The group has been working closely with the American Thoracic Society (ATS) Environmental and Occupational Health committee on these issues and also with other societies, such as the Turkish Thoracic Society, especially on asbestos-and silica-related lung diseases. Recently Assembly 6 has been engaged in the fight against unprotected sandblasting of jeans performed by young males working in small workshops in the Istanbul area creating an epidemic of deadly silicosis in Turkey [10,11]. In 2010, Assembly 6 published a position statement on the work-related burden on respiratory diseases in the EU, emphasising the shift from old to some new risk factors and challenges for ERS members in recognising work-related diseases.…”

A longitudinal study on lung disease in dental technicians: What has changed after seven years?

“…X-rays were evaluated according to the ILO-2000 classification by three readers in the same manner as in the first study. According to the ILO classification 1/0 an upper profusion is considered to be pneumoconiosis [9][10][11]. All of the new findings were compared to the former outcomes.…”