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Keramydas D, Bakakos P, Alchanatis M, Papalexis P, Konstantakopoulos I, Tavernaraki K, Dracopoulos V, Papadakis A, Pantazi E, Chelidonis G, Chaidoutis E, Constantinidis TC, Tsitsimpikou C, Kavantzas N, Patsouris E, Tsarouhas K, Spandidos DA, Lazaris AC. Investigation of the health effects on workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica during outdoor and underground construction projects. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:882-889. [PMID: 32742330 PMCID: PMC7388242 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic exposure of workers to powder containing crystalline silica (Silicon dioxide; SiO2) can lead to chronic lung diseases (lung cancer, silicosis, etc.). Aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure of Greek construction workers to SiO2 and describe their pulmonary function. The study involved 86 outdoor and underground workers. Medical and professional history was obtained, and breath samples were collected at morning hours through a mask for the determination of SiO2 levels. Pulmonary function tests, radiological examination and evaluation of radiographs were also performed. Pulmonary function examination showed that the majority of the workers were within normal range (61.4%) while the rest were diagnosed with mild (26.5%) and more severe impairment (7.24%). Working conditions (underground-outdoor) were statistically significantly related to the categorization of pulmonary function (P=0.038). During radiological examination, the type of working activity/ conditions (underground-outdoor) were statistically significantly related to the categorization of these findings (P=0.044). Of the 69 employees, 52 did not present findings (75.4%) and 5 were diagnosed with findings specific to occupational diseases (7.23%). Environmental exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) was detected at 0.0125 mg/m3 in the workplace, which is not beyond the legal limits. Underground workers with more than 15 years of exposure to SiO2 are more likely to present chronic silicosis compared to the workers of outdoor activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Keramydas
- 1st Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Bakakos
- 1st Department of Pneumonology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Manos Alchanatis
- 1st Department of Pneumonology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Papalexis
- 1st Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Konstantakopoulos
- Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, National Focal Point of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), 10110 Athens, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Tavernaraki
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, ‘Sotiria’ Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasileios Dracopoulos
- Hellenic Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (ELINYAE), 10445 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Eugenia Pantazi
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Chelidonis
- National Actuarial Authority, 10559 Athens, Greece, Ministry of Interior, 10563 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Theodoros C. Constantinidis
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Democritus University of Thrace, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | | - Nikolaos Kavantzas
- 1st Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Efstratios Patsouris
- 1st Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Andreas Ch. Lazaris
- 1st Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Carrieri M, Guzzardo C, Farcas D, Cena LG. Characterization of Silica Exposure during Manufacturing of Artificial Stone Countertops. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17124489. [PMID: 32580452 PMCID: PMC7345731 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Artificial stone is increasing in popularity in construction applications, including commercial and residential countertops. Eco-friendliness, durability, and resistance to staining, make artificial stone attractive to consumers. Health concerns have arisen during manufacturing of artificial stone due to increased incidence of silicosis after relatively short exposure. Three artificial stone samples (A, B, and C) and one natural granite sample were subjected to cutting and grinding in a controlled environment. Gravimetric analysis, X-Ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy were employed to determine crystalline silica concentrations and particle morphology of bulk and respirable particles. Silica content of bulk dust from artificial samples A and B was 91%, sample C was <10%, while granite was 31%. Silica percent in the respirable fraction for samples A and B was 53% and 54%, respectively, while sample C was <5% and granite was 8%. Number concentrations for samples A and B were mainly in the nano-fraction, indicating potential for translocation of silica particles to other organs outside of the lungs. Respirable dust concentrations inside the chamber were well above Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards for all materials, indicating that confined-space exposures require ventilation to lower risks of acute silicosis regardless of the nature of the stone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariella Carrieri
- Department of Cardiologic, Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Carly Guzzardo
- Department of Health, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester, PA 19383, USA;
| | - Daniel Farcas
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA;
- Windjammer Environmental LLC, National Harbor, Washington, DC 20745, USA
| | - Lorenzo G. Cena
- Department of Health, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester, PA 19383, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Yorio PL, Laney AS, Halldin CN, Blackley DJ, Moore SM, Wizner K, Radonovich LJ, Greenawald LA. Interstitial Lung Diseases in the U.S. Mining Industry: Using MSHA Data to Examine Trends and the Prevention Effects of Compliance with Health Regulations, 1996-2015. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2018; 38:1962-1971. [PMID: 29649352 PMCID: PMC6238148 DOI: 10.1111/risa.13000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Given the recent increase in dust-induced lung disease among U.S. coal miners and the respiratory hazards encountered across the U.S. mining industry, it is important to enhance an understanding of lung disease trends and the organizational contexts that precede these events. In addition to exploring overall trends reported to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), the current study uses MSHA's enforcement database to examine whether or not compliance with health regulations resulted in fewer mine-level counts of these diseases over time. The findings suggest that interstitial lung diseases were more prevalent in coal mines compared to other mining commodities, in Appalachian coal mines compared to the rest of the United States, and in underground compared to surface coal mines. Mines that followed a relevant subset of MSHA's health regulations were less likely to report a lung disease over time. The findings are discussed from a lung disease prevention strategy perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick L. Yorio
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - A. Scott Laney
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Cara N. Halldin
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - David J. Blackley
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Susan M. Moore
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kerri Wizner
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lewis J. Radonovich
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lee A. Greenawald
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
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Martínez-González C. Cambio en el perfil de las enfermedades por exposición a la inhalación de sílice. Arch Bronconeumol 2018; 54:5-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2017.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Miller AL, Weakley AT, Griffiths PR, Cauda EG, Bayman S. Direct-on-Filter α-Quartz Estimation in Respirable Coal Mine Dust Using Transmission Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry and Partial Least Squares Regression. APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 2017; 71:1014-1024. [PMID: 27645724 PMCID: PMC5357580 DOI: 10.1177/0003702816666288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In order to help reduce silicosis in miners, the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) is developing field-portable methods for measuring airborne respirable crystalline silica (RCS), specifically the polymorph α-quartz, in mine dusts. In this study we demonstrate the feasibility of end-of-shift measurement of α-quartz using a direct-on-filter (DoF) method to analyze coal mine dust samples deposited onto polyvinyl chloride filters. The DoF method is potentially amenable for on-site analyses, but deviates from the current regulatory determination of RCS for coal mines by eliminating two sample preparation steps: ashing the sampling filter and redepositing the ash prior to quantification by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry. In this study, the FT-IR spectra of 66 coal dust samples from active mines were used, and the RCS was quantified by using: (1) an ordinary least squares (OLS) calibration approach that utilizes standard silica material as done in the Mine Safety and Health Administration's P7 method; and (2) a partial least squares (PLS) regression approach. Both were capable of accounting for kaolinite, which can confound the IR analysis of silica. The OLS method utilized analytical standards for silica calibration and kaolin correction, resulting in a good linear correlation with P7 results and minimal bias but with the accuracy limited by the presence of kaolinite. The PLS approach also produced predictions well-correlated to the P7 method, as well as better accuracy in RCS prediction, and no bias due to variable kaolinite mass. Besides decreased sensitivity to mineral or substrate confounders, PLS has the advantage that the analyst is not required to correct for the presence of kaolinite or background interferences related to the substrate, making the method potentially viable for automated RCS prediction in the field. This study demonstrated the efficacy of FT-IR transmission spectrometry for silica determination in coal mine dusts, using both OLS and PLS analyses, when kaolinite was present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur L. Miller
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Andrew Todd Weakley
- IMPROVE Group, Crocker Nuclear Laboratory, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Emanuele G. Cauda
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sean Bayman
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Spokane, WA, USA
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6
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Quantifying silica in filter-deposited mine dusts using infrared spectra and partial least squares regression. Anal Bioanal Chem 2014; 406:4715-24. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-014-7856-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Revised: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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7
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Li Z, Xue J, Yan S, Chen P, Chen L. Association between tumor necrosis factor-α 308G/A gene polymorphism and silicosis susceptibility: a meta-analysis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76614. [PMID: 24124578 PMCID: PMC3790741 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 08/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) 308 G/A gene polymorphism has been reported to be associated with susceptibility to silicosis. However, the relevant study results are still inconsistent. Objective and Methods A meta-analysis was performed in order to drive a more precise estimation of the relationship between TNF-α-308 G/A gene polymorphism and susceptibility to silicosis. Electronic databases were searched and nine separate studies were included. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence internal (CI) were calculated by a fixed effect model. Results A total of 1267 cases and 1214 controls were included. In the overall analysis, significantly increased silicosis risk was found (for GA+AA vs. GG OR=1.45, 95%CI: 1.20-1.760, P=1.58E4; for GA vs. GG: OR=1.53, 95%CI=1.25-1.86, P=3.11E5; for A allele vs. G allele: OR=1.27, 95%CI=1.08-1.50, P= 0.004). In the subgroup analysis, significantly increased silicosis risk was also found among Asians (for GA+AA vs. GG: OR=1.63, 95%CI=1.27-2.08, P=1.01E4), for GA vs. GG: OR=1.71, 95%CI=1.33-2.20, P=3.44E5), for A allele vs. G allele: OR=1.45, 95%CI=1.17-1.80, P=0.001). However, no significantly increased risk was found among non-Asians for all genetic models. Conclusions TNF-α-308 G/A polymorphism might lead to an increased risk of silicosis susceptibility, especially for Asians. However, further studies with large sample sizes should be conducted to confirm the association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanzhan Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jing Xue
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Shipeng Yan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lizhang Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- * E-mail:
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Sauvé JF, Beaudry C, Bégin D, Dion C, Gérin M, Lavoué J. Statistical modeling of crystalline silica exposure by trade in the construction industry using a database compiled from the literature. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 14:2512-20. [PMID: 22875042 DOI: 10.1039/c2em30443k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A quantitative determinants-of-exposure analysis of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) levels in the construction industry was performed using a database compiled from an extensive literature review. Statistical models were developed to predict work-shift exposure levels by trade. Monte Carlo simulation was used to recreate exposures derived from summarized measurements which were combined with single measurements for analysis. Modeling was performed using Tobit models within a multimodel inference framework, with year, sampling duration, type of environment, project purpose, project type, sampling strategy and use of exposure controls as potential predictors. 1346 RCS measurements were included in the analysis, of which 318 were non-detects and 228 were simulated from summary statistics. The model containing all the variables explained 22% of total variability. Apart from trade, sampling duration, year and strategy were the most influential predictors of RCS levels. The use of exposure controls was associated with an average decrease of 19% in exposure levels compared to none, and increased concentrations were found for industrial, demolition and renovation projects. Predicted geometric means for year 1999 were the highest for drilling rig operators (0.238 mg m(-3)) and tunnel construction workers (0.224 mg m(-3)), while the estimated exceedance fraction of the ACGIH TLV by trade ranged from 47% to 91%. The predicted geometric means in this study indicated important overexposure compared to the TLV. However, the low proportion of variability explained by the models suggests that the construction trade is only a moderate predictor of work-shift exposure levels. The impact of the different tasks performed during a work shift should also be assessed to provide better management and control of RCS exposure levels on construction sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Sauvé
- Université de Montréal, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, P.O. Box 6128, Main Station, Montréal, QC, Canada
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9
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Abstract
Silicosis is a fibrotic lung disease caused by inhalation of free crystalline silicon dioxide or silica. Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust particles occurs in many industries. Phagocytosis of crystalline silica in the lung causes lysosomal damage, activating the NALP3 inflammasome and triggering the inflammatory cascade with subsequent fibrosis. Impairment of lung function increases with disease progression, even after the patient is no longer exposed. Diagnosis of silicosis needs carefully documented records of occupational exposure and radiological features, with exclusion of other competing diagnoses. Mycobacterial diseases, airway obstruction, and lung cancer are associated with silica dust exposure. As yet, no curative treatment exists, but comprehensive management strategies help to improve quality of life and slow deterioration. Further efforts are needed for recognition and control of silica hazards, especially in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Chiu Leung
- Tuberculosis and Chest Service, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong, China.
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Middaugh B, Hubbard B, Zimmerman N, McGlothlin J. Evaluation of cut-off saw exposure control methods for respirable dust and crystalline silica in roadway construction. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2012; 9:157-165. [PMID: 22394370 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2012.658265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Dust reduction equipment adapted for single-person operation was evaluated for gas-powered, commercially available cut-off saws during concrete curb cutting. Cutting was performed without dust control and with two individual exposure control methods: wet suppression and local exhaust ventilation (LEV). The wet suppression system comprised a two-nozzle spray system and a 13.3-L hand-pressurized water supply system with an optimum mean flow rate of 0.83 L/min for 16 min of cutting. The LEV system consisted of a spring-loaded guard, an 18.9-L collection bag, and a centrifugal fan with an estimated exhaust rate of 91 ft(3)/min. Task-based, personal filter samples were obtained for four saw operators during cutting durations of 4 to 16 min on five job sites. Seventeen filter samples were collected without dust control, 14 with wet suppression, and 12 with LEV, yielding a geometric mean respirable dust concentration of 16.4 mg/m(3), 3.60 mg/m(3), and 4.40 mg/m(3), respectively. A dust reduction of 78.0% for wet suppression and 73.2% for LEV was observed vs. no dust control. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was also revealed for wet suppression and LEV when compared with no dust control; however, a significant difference (p = 0.09) was not observed between wet suppression and LEV. Despite these significant dust reductions, workers are still projected to exceed the ACGIH 8-hr time-weighted average threshold limit value for quartz (0.025 mg/m(3)) in less than 1 hr of cutting for both dust control methods. Further research is still needed to improve dust reduction and portability of both control methods, but the current LEV system offers important advantages, including a drier, less slippery work area and year-round functionality in cold weather.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beauregard Middaugh
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
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Liu H, Yan B, Han B, Sun J, Yang Y, Chen J. Assessment of respiration-related quality of life of Chinese patients with silicosis and its influencing factors using the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). J Clin Nurs 2011; 21:1515-23. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2011.03904.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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12
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Nasrullah M, Mazurek JM, Wood JM, Bang KM, Kreiss K. Silicosis mortality with respiratory tuberculosis in the United States, 1968-2006. Am J Epidemiol 2011; 174:839-48. [PMID: 21828370 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwr159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of tuberculosis (TB) in patients with silicosis increases mortality risk. To characterize silicosis-respiratory TB comortality in the United States, the authors used 1968-2006 National Center for Health Statistics multiple cause-of-death data for decedents aged ≥25 years. The authors calculated proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) using available information on decedents' industries and occupations reported from 26 states from 1985 through 1999. Among 16,648 silicosis deaths, 2,278 (13.7%) had respiratory TB listed on the death certificate. Of silicosis-respiratory TB deaths, 1,666 decedents (73.1%) were aged ≥65 years, 2,255 (99.0%) were male, and 1,893 (83.1%) were white. Silicosis-respiratory TB deaths declined 99.5% during the study period (P < 0.001 for time-related trend), from 239.8 per year during 1968-1972 to 1.2 per year during 2002-2006, with no reported deaths in 2006. Silicosis-respiratory TB deaths reported from Pennsylvania (n = 525; 1.29 per million population), Ohio (n = 258; 0.81 per million), and West Virginia (n = 146; 2.35 per million) accounted for 40.8% of all such deaths in the United States. The highest PMR for silicosis-respiratory TB death was associated with the "miscellaneous nonmetallic mineral and stone products" industry (PMR = 73.7, 95% confidence interval: 33.8, 139.8). In the United States, 2006 marked the first year since 1968 with no silicosis-respiratory TB deaths. The substantial decline in silicosis-respiratory TB comortality probably reflects prevention and control measures for both diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muazzam Nasrullah
- Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA.
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Liu HB, Yan B, Han B, Sun JK, Yang Y, Chen J. Determination of Ameliorable Health Impairment Influencing Health-Related Quality of Life among Patients with Silicosis in China: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Int Med Res 2011; 39:1448-55. [PMID: 21986147 DOI: 10.1177/147323001103900433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The association between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and ameliorable health impairment was examined in 208 Chinese in-patients with silicosis, in April 2010. Median St George's Respiratory Questionnaire scores for symptom and activity impairment, social support rating scale and geriatric depression scale scores for patients were 57.24, 59.45, 35 and 5, respectively. Median 36-item short-form health survey physical component (PCS) and mental component (MCS) scores were 47.17 and 51.05, respectively. Lower than median PCS scores (< 47) were significantly associated with high levels of symptom and activity impairment. Lower than median MCS scores (< 51) were significantly associated with high levels of depression and activity impairment. Encouraging patients to participate in daily activities may alleviate activity impairment. Reasonable financial compensation may help to maintain and improve social support levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- HB Liu
- Division of Pneumoconiosis, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - B Yan
- Department of Pneumoconiosis, Shenyang No. 9 Hospital, Shenyang, China
| | - B Han
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - JK Sun
- Department of Pneumoconiosis, Shenyang No. 9 Hospital, Shenyang, China
| | - Y Yang
- Department of Pneumoconiosis, Shenyang No. 9 Hospital, Shenyang, China
| | - J Chen
- Division of Pneumoconiosis, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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14
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Different course of silicosis in four brothers of one family. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2009; 22:51-7. [DOI: 10.2478/v10001-009-0004-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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