An old threat in a new setting: High prevalence of silicosis among jewelry workers

Murgia, Nicola; Muzi, Giacomo; DellʼOmo, Marco; Sallese, D; Ciccotosto, C; Rossi, M.; Scatolini, Paola; Zingarelli, A; Accattoli, M. P.; Melchiorri, Daniela; Abbritti, Giuseppe

doi:10.1002/ajim.20490

Cited by 18 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…12,13,18,21 It should also be noted that carpenters and joiners had significant mean RCS exposure levels (AM50.047, 93% of exposure measurements above the ACGIH limit value), comparable with those of miners and quarry workers (AM50.048, 97% of exposure measurements above the ACGIH limit value), likely reflecting an inadequate implementation of preventive measures to control workplace silica dust air concentrations in the Italian construction industry, similar to other economically developed countries. [19][20][21] We estimate that about 30 000 workers are exposed to crystalline silica in the manufacture of non-metallic minerals in Italy (NACE code 26) 12 Similarly, in our study, exposure levels in the manufacture of nonmetallic minerals were found to vary between and within occupations, leading to an overall mean concentration lower than in construction, as well as a smaller percentage of TLV overwhelming values. This may be due to the significant decrease of airborne RCS concentrations reported in the ceramic industry over time, 14,22 and to the high variation in whether workers use dry or automated/remotely controlled working methods.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 59%

“…These workers, although they represent a small proportion of Italian workers, should be targeted for prevention measures, including dust abatement programs and risk awareness education initiatives. 26 Overall, 50% of exposed workers had an exposure value exceeding the limit (TLV) proposed by ACGIH (and 44% had exposure values exceeding SCOEL recommendations). This indicates that there is a need for addition and more intense dust control and information interventions.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

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Evaluation of workplace exposure to respirable crystalline silica in Italy

Scarselli

Corfiati

Marzio

et al. 2014

International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Background: Crystalline silica is a human carcinogen and its use is widespread among construction, mining, foundries, and other manufacturing industries. Purpose: To evaluate occupational exposure to crystalline silica in Italy. Methods: Data were collected from exposure registries and descriptive statistics were calculated for exposure-related variables. The number of potentially exposed workers was estimated in a subset of industrial sectors. Linear mixed model analysis was performed to determine factors affecting the exposure level. Results: We found 1387 cases of crystalline silica exposure between 1996 and 2012. Exposure was most common in construction work (AM50.057 mg/m 3 , N5505), and among miners and quarry workers (AM50.048 mg/m 3 , N5238). We estimated that 41 643 workers were at risk of exposure in the selected industrial sectors during the same period. Conclusions: This study identified high-risk sectors for occupational exposure to crystalline silica, which can help guide targeted dust control interventions and health promotion campaigns in the workplace.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 59%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Evaluation of workplace exposure to respirable crystalline silica in Italy

Scarselli

Corfiati

Marzio

et al. 2014

International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health

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“…The presence of a relationship between spirometry and radiographic changes was found in studies in which nonexposed controls were used, but not in the case of silica-exposed controls. 32,33 In addition, a different latency period after silica exposure for the development of spirometry and radiographic changes would cause the results from the studies of current and retired workers to differ.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Results of Spirometry Among Individuals in a Silicosis Registry

Rosenman

Reilly

Gardiner

2010

Journal of Occupational &Amp; Environmental Medicine

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Both obstructive and restrictive patterns were observed regardless of smoking status with a low profusion category of simple silicosis. There was an increased prevalence of restrictive changes with increased profusion. After controlling for age, smoking, and duration of exposure to silica, there was a statistically significant increased risk of obstructive and mixed changes with progressive massive fibrosis.

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“…[1–5] But, apart from the study of Murgia et al .,[6] no study was reported, which could show the occupation-induced physiological changes, especially respiratory changes amongst the goldsmiths. Some reports showed that the mortality rates of the workers of jewelery industries increased due to cancer.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of the lung function status of the goldsmiths working in an unorganized sector of India

2013

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Context:Exposure to various types of fumes and gases are very common in Jewelery industries. No Report is available regarding the effects of those fumes and gases on the respiratory functions of the goldsmiths. Due to lack of proper monitoring of the workplace environments in these unorganized sectors, workers get very much affected by the occupational exposures to those irritants.Aims:The present study aimed to investigate whether the occupational exposures to fumes and gases might alter the lung functions of the goldsmiths.Materials and Methods:A total of 118 goldsmiths and 66 unexposed control subjects were taken randomly for the study. The goldsmiths were further classified in 3 groups according to duration (year) of exposures in the work environment, ETA1 (less than 5 years), ETA2 (more than 5 years but less than 10 years), and ETA3 (more than 10 years). Peak expiratory flow rates (PEFR), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory flow rates of different intervals (FEF25%, FEF50%, FEF75%, FEF25-75%) were measured using computerized Spirometer (Maestros Mediline, India). The statistical analyses were carried out using Minitab software version 3.Results:Lung functions of the goldsmiths significantly (P < 0.01) decreased from that of the control group. Inter-group comparison also showed the deteriorations of lung functions was associated with exposure time, and more exposed workers had significantly less (P < 0.01) efficiencies of lung functions.Conclusions:Workplace fumes and gases were responsible for deterioration of the lung function status of the goldsmiths.

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An old threat in a new setting: High prevalence of silicosis among jewelry workers

Abstract: In this study we demonstrate that use of chalk molds in casting in jewelry causes silicosis. The composition of the dust could be responsible of the high prevalence observed.

Cited by 18 publications

References 20 publications

Evaluation of workplace exposure to respirable crystalline silica in Italy

Evaluation of workplace exposure to respirable crystalline silica in Italy

Results of Spirometry Among Individuals in a Silicosis Registry

Assessment of the lung function status of the goldsmiths working in an unorganized sector of India

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