Silicosis in a paint-production worker: Study of a lung histological specimen with scanning electron microscopy-Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer

Lung Function Analysis of Marble Home Industry Workers in Tulungagung Regency

This study analyzes the effect of dust exposure and worker characteristics on lung function. This type of research was observational with a cross-sectional design. The population was 20 marble home industry workers in Tulungagung. The total population technique determined the sample. Data analysis was carried out using Smart PLS software. The study results found that sociodemography, including age, nutritional status, and years of service, affected lung function with a t-statistic of 2.604. Dust exposure, which includes respirable dust content and duration of exposure, impacted lung function with a t-statistic of 2.522. Marble artisans in Tulungagung with the age of >35 years and a long working period of >5 years with a level of exposure to silica dust >3 mg/m3 and supported by a long working period of >7 hours had great potential for lung function. The recommendation was for home industry entrepreneurs to provide masks according to standards. The role of public health center officers was to monitor the work environment and regularly check home industry workers’ health.

Sarcoid-like Lung Disease as a Reaction to Silica from Exposure to Bentonite Cat Litter Complicated by End-Stage Renal Failure-A Case Report

A 44-year-old woman was admitted to hospital with end-stage renal failure, productive cough, and decreased exercise tolerance. She had owned nine cats, which resulted in long-term exposure (18 years) to silica-containing bentonite cat litter. High-resolution computed tomography of the chest showed micronodular lesions in the lungs, and mild mediastinal lymphadenopathy. A lung biopsy revealed multinucleated giant cells, some of which had birefringent material and Schaumann bodies. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed the presence of silicon in the lung biopsy specimen, as well as in the patient's cat litter. The pulmonary condition was suggestive of sarcoid-like lung disease, rather than silicosis, sarcoidosis, or hypersensitivity pneumonitis, according to the clinicopathological findings. Renal failure appeared to be a result of chronic hypercalcemia due to extrarenal calcitriol overproduction in activated alveolar macrophages. Ultimately, the patient was diagnosed with sarcoid-like lung disease complicated by end-stage renal failure from exposure to bentonite cat litter. Therapy with steroids, in addition to elimination of the bentonite cat litter exposure, resulted in a significant improvement in the health condition. At a follow-up visit after 4 months, an almost complete resolution of the lung lesions and a significant improvement in renal function were observed.