High Prevalence and Advanced Silicosis in Active Granite Workers: A Dose-Response Analysis Including FEV1

Abstract

This study suggests that silica induces functional alteration regardless of silicosis and, in all likelihood, synergistically with tobacco. Exposure levels must be controlled better in these workers and those with silicosis must be relocated to risk-free jobs or retired.

Results of Spirometry Among Individuals in a Silicosis Registry

“…A direct effect of silica on spirometry has been previously reported by us in another cohort and by other investigators. 11,17,31 Since we found no association between duration of work in this current study, our surrogate measure of duration of silica exposure, and spirometric results, our current data suggest that the direct effect of silica on spirometric decrements is outweighed by the pathological changes associated with the radiological abnormalities of silicosis. On the other hand, since all but a handful of individuals in this cohort had radiographic changes of silicosis, individuals who developed radiographic changes of silicosis in a relatively short period of time (ie, <10 years) presumably had a greater average silica exposure than those with longer duration of exposure, and this may contribute to the lack of association between duration and spirometric results.…”

“…17 changes in silicotics who had never smoked cigarettes and did not have advanced silicosis. This is in contrast to the results of some studies 19,24,28 while in agreement with others.…”

Respirable quartz dust exposure and airway obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Granite quarry workers were investigated in Vermont, USA,31 Sweden17 and Spain32 with inconsistent results. A cohort study from Vermont, USA,31 consisted of 1216 men actively employed in the granite sheds.…”

“…A cross-sectional study from Spain in 2004/2005 also investigated dust exposure and its effect on lung function in granite workers 32. Overall, 490 active workers employed at least 1 year in their job were invited to participate.…”

“…Studies not adjusting for covariates,27 31 including silicotic workers32 or with overlapping populations,33 were not selected for the meta-analysis, which finally consisted of six studies17 26 28–30 34 described in brief in table 1.…”