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Yatera K, Nishida C. Contemporary Concise Review 2023: Environmental and occupational lung diseases. Respirology 2024; 29:574-587. [PMID: 38826078 DOI: 10.1111/resp.14761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Air pollutants have various effects on human health in environmental and occupational settings. Air pollutants can be a risk factor for incidence, exacerbation/aggravation and death due to various lung diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypersensitivity pneumonitis or pneumonia (HP), pulmonary fibrosis such as pneumoconiosis and malignant respiratory diseases such as lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma. Environmental and occupational respiratory diseases are crucial clinical and social issues worldwide, although the burden of respiratory disease due to environmental and occupational causes varies depending on country/region, demographic variables, geographical location, industrial structure and socioeconomic situation. The correct recognition of environmental and occupational lung diseases and taking appropriate measures are essential to their effective prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Yatera
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Chinatsu Nishida
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
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2
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González Fernández C, Ros Lucas JA, Molina Molina M, Rigual Bobillo J, García Montenegro RA, Fernández González R, Jaureguiza Oriol A, Abal Arca J. Autoimmune findings in patients with silicosis in Spain. Drugs Context 2024; 13:2023-11-1. [PMID: 38440072 PMCID: PMC10911535 DOI: 10.7573/dic.2023-11-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Occupational exposure to silica is related to autoimmune diseases and features of autoimmunity, mainly autoantibodies. The study objectives were to estimate the prevalence of silicosis with associated autoimmune findings or diagnosed autoimmune diseases in Spain, and to assess the clinical and functional characteristics of affected patients. Methods This is a multicentre prospective study in patients diagnosed with silicosis. Autoantibodies analysed were antinuclear antibodies, isotypes IgA, IgM and IgG, rheumatoid factor, anticyclic citrullinated peptide, anti-Scl70, anti-Ro, and anti-LA. Pulmonary function tests were performed. Results Autoimmunity was assessed in 105 patients. Autoimmune findings were recorded in 29 (27%) patients, including antinuclear antibodies (n=21), anti-Ro (n=7), rheumatoid factor (n=5) and anti-Scl70 (n=3). Autoimmune disease was diagnosed in 16 (15%) patients, mainly rheumatoid arthritis (n=7) and systemic lupus erythematosus (n=4). Patients with silicosis and autoimmune findings had a lower mean time of exposure to silica and showed a trend toward lower values in pulmonary function tests. Conclusions Autoimmune findings and diagnosis of autoimmune diseases were frequent in patients with silicosis in Spain.
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Quan H, Wu W, Yang G, Wu Y, Yang W, Min C, Shi J, Qin L, Huang J, Wang J, Huang X, Mao L, Feng Y. Risk Factors of Silicosis Progression: A Retrospective Cohort Study in China. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:832052. [PMID: 35445039 PMCID: PMC9013759 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.832052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Silicosis poses a threat to workers’ health due to the irreversible lung lesions. Design A retrospective cohort study. Methods A total of 259 patients [80 worked with artificial stone (AS), 179 with non-artificial stone (non-AS)] with confirmed silicosis were included in this study. Forty-one of AS and 91 of non-AS had approximately 2 years’ follow-up records [lung function tests and high-resolution computer tomography (HRCT)]. Compared with the first records, increased, densified, or newly emerging lesions in lung HRCT images were judged as progression of the disease. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the risk factors. Kaplan–Meier survival curve and log-rank test were used to compare prognostic factors for cumulative risk of progression. Results In 132 patients with median follow-up of 24.0 months (IQR, 13.8, 24.9), 66 patients showed progression, in them, 36 (87.8%) were from AS group and 30 (32.9%) from non-AS group. Working experience of AS processing (hazard ratio, 5.671; 95% CI, 3.048–10.550) and complicated silicosis in CT images (hazard ratio, 2.373; 95% CI, 1.379–4.082) were the main risk factors associated with progression. Forced vital capacity decreased after 1-year (241.5 vs. 55.2 mL) and 2-year (328.1 vs. 68.8 mL) follow-up in the two groups (AS vs. non-AS). History of anti-tuberculosis medication, chest oppression and pain, ground-glass opacity, pleural abnormalities, and restrictive pulmonary dysfunction were more frequently found on HRCT images in the AS group than non-AS group. Lung functions (DLCO, %) were lower in the current/former smokers than the non-smokers (P < 0.05) in AS patients. Conclusion Prevention and protection rules are needed to be enforced in the occupation involving AS processing; smoking may be associated with declined lung function in AS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Quan
- Key Laboratory of Environment Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Pneumoconiosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tuberculosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environment Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Pneumoconiosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tuberculosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanghong Yang
- Guizhou Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, China
| | - Yunlin Wu
- Department of Pneumoconiosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tuberculosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenlan Yang
- Department of Pulmonary Function Test, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyan Min
- The Fifth People’s Hospital of Suzhou, Suzhou, China
| | - Jinyun Shi
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lianhua Qin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tuberculosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Environment Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tuberculosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaochen Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tuberculosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Mao
- Department of Pneumoconiosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Ling Mao,
| | - Yonghong Feng
- Key Laboratory of Environment Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Pneumoconiosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tuberculosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yonghong Feng,
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4
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Salamon F, Martinelli A, Vianello L, Bizzotto R, Gottardo O, Guarnieri G, Franceschi A, Porru S, Cena L, Carrieri M. Occupational exposure to crystalline silica in artificial stone processing. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2021; 18:547-554. [PMID: 34643481 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2021.1990303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) is a hazardous substance with known effects that can be well correlated with exposure levels that still persist in many traditional sectors, such as construction or stone processing. In the past decade, exposure scenarios for RCS have been found in the sector of artificial stone processing. The aim of this study is to evaluate the levels of RCS in facilities specialized in the production of artificial stone countertops and other accessories for the furnishing of kitchens, bathrooms, and offices after the introduction of some preventive technical measures such as wet processing or local exhaust ventilation systems. The study involved 51 subjects in four facilities. Personal silica exposure assessment was carried out using GS3 cyclones positioned in the breathing zone during the work shift. Quantitative determination of silica was carried out by X-ray diffraction analysis. Respirable dust levels were in the range 0.046-1.154 mg/m3 with RCS levels within the range <0.003-0.098 mg/m3. The highest exposure was found in dry finishing operations. Although there was a remarkable reduction in RCS exposure levels compared to what was observed in the past before the introduction of preventive measures, the data still showed hazardous exposure levels for some of the monitored activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Salamon
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Martinelli
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Liviano Vianello
- Department of Prevention, ULSS7 Pedemontana, Bassano del Grappa (VI), Italy
| | | | | | - Gabriella Guarnieri
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Antonia Franceschi
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Porru
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Cena
- Department of Health, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester, PA
| | - Mariella Carrieri
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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5
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Requena-Mullor M, Alarcón-Rodríguez R, Parrón-Carreño T, Martínez-López JJ, Lozano-Paniagua D, Hernández AF. Association between Crystalline Silica Dust Exposure and Silicosis Development in Artificial Stone Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18115625. [PMID: 34070293 PMCID: PMC8197517 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica (SiO2) is one of the most common and serious risks because of the health consequences for the workers involved. Silicosis is a progressive, irreversible, and incurable fibrotic lung disease caused by the inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out to assess the occupational risk factors that may contribute to the onset of silicosis in workers carrying out work activities with the inhalation of silica compact dust. The study population consisted of 311 artificial stone workers from the province of Almeria (southeast of Spain). Among them, 64 were previously diagnosed with silicosis and the rest of the participants (n = 247 workers) were not diagnosed with such a disease. The workers showing a greater risk of developing silicosis were those who installed kitchen worktops at consumers’ homes, as they did not use face-masks or were not provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) by their business. The results of this study provide support for the evidence indicating that silicosis is a major emerging health concern for workers in the artificial stone sector. Exposure to crystalline silica dust thus can influence the development of silicosis in those cases where individual and collective protection measures are not used or adequately applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mar Requena-Mullor
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.R.-M.); (T.P.-C.); (D.L.-P.)
| | - Raquel Alarcón-Rodríguez
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.R.-M.); (T.P.-C.); (D.L.-P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-950-214-606
| | - Tesifón Parrón-Carreño
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.R.-M.); (T.P.-C.); (D.L.-P.)
| | | | - David Lozano-Paniagua
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.R.-M.); (T.P.-C.); (D.L.-P.)
| | - Antonio F. Hernández
- Department of Legal Medicine and Toxicology, University of Granada School of Medicine, 18016 Granada, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria, Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 18080 Madrid, Spain
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6
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Hoy RF, Glass DC, Dimitriadis C, Hansen J, Hore-Lacy F, Sim MR. Identification of early-stage silicosis through health screening of stone benchtop industry workers in Victoria, Australia. Occup Environ Med 2020; 78:296-302. [PMID: 33115923 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2020-106897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The popularity of high silica content artificial stone has been associated with emergence of severe, progressive silicosis as a major health issue affecting workers in the stone benchtop industry. This population-based health assessment programme has been implemented with the aim of identifcation of silica-associated disease at a preclinical stage. METHODS All current and former workers from the stone benchtop industry in the State of Victoria are offered free health assessments. Primary evaluations include a standardised questionnaire, physical examination, spirometry and gas transfer assessment and International Labour Organisation-categorised chest X-ray. Secondary evaluations include high-resolution CT chest, blood tests and a respiratory physician evaluation. RESULTS At the end of the first 12 months, 86/239 (36%) workers who had completed secondary evaluation were diagnosed with silicosis (65 simple silicosis and 21 complicated silicosis). 22 had worked in the industry for less than 10 years at the time of diagnosis. Of those with simple silicosis, 80% of workers reported breathlessness only with strenuous exercise (modified Medical Research Council score of 0), and lung function was well preserved (prebronchodilator forced vital capacity mean 99.8% predicted (SD 13.6), diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide mean 96.2% predicted (SD 18.0)). Antinuclear antibodies were detected in 37% with silicosis and 24% without silicosis. CONCLUSION Early results from this comprehensive health assessment programme have indicated a high proportion of referred artificial stone benchtop workers have silicosis, including many with early-stage disease. The common finding of antinuclear antibodies suggest significant potential for autoimmune disease in this occupational group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan F Hoy
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Deborah C Glass
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christina Dimitriadis
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jessy Hansen
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona Hore-Lacy
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Malcolm R Sim
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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7
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León-Jiménez A, Hidalgo-Molina A, Conde-Sánchez MÁ, Pérez-Alonso A, Morales-Morales JM, García-Gámez EM, Córdoba-Doña JA. Artificial Stone Silicosis. Chest 2020; 158:1060-1068. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2020.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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8
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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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9
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Di Benedetto F, Giaccherini A, Montegrossi G, Pardi LA, Zoleo A, Capolupo F, Innocenti M, Lepore GO, d'Acapito F, Capacci F, Poli C, Iaia TE, Buccianti A, Romanelli M. Chemical variability of artificial stone powders in relation to their health effects. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6531. [PMID: 31024082 PMCID: PMC6484096 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42238-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of highly severe silica-related diseases among the resin- and silica-based artificial stone workers was claimed, associated to an extremely short latency. High levels of exposure and intrinsic properties of AS are thought to modulate the development of silicosis and auto-immune diseases. This study compares parent materials and processed dusts, to shed light on changes of AS occurring in the manufacturing process, through an XRF, EPR and XAS investigation. We point out the extremely wide variability of the materials, the occurrence of chemical signatures impressed by the processing techniques, and the unprecedented generation of stable radicals associated to the lysis of the Si-O chemical bond inside the resin coated respirable crystalline silica. These results suggest that the AS processing in industrial stone workshops can create respirable dusts with peculiar physical and chemical properties, to be correlated to the observed clinical evidences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Di Benedetto
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università degli Studi di Firenze, via La Pira 4, Firenze, Italy. .,INSTM Research Unit of Florence, Firenze, Italy.
| | - Andrea Giaccherini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università degli Studi di Firenze, via La Pira 4, Firenze, Italy.,INSTM Research Unit of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Giordano Montegrossi
- INSTM Research Unit of Florence, Firenze, Italy.,CNR - Istituto di Geoscienze e Georisorse, via La Pira 4, Firenze, Italy
| | - Luca A Pardi
- CNR - Istituto dei Processi Chimico Fisici, via Moruzzi 1, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alfonso Zoleo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche - Università di Padova, Via Marzolo 1, Padova, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Capolupo
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Massimo Innocenti
- INSTM Research Unit of Florence, Firenze, Italy.,Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Giovanni O Lepore
- CNR - Istituto di Officina dei Materiali - OGG c/o, ESRF, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Fabio Capacci
- Dipartimento di Prevenzione, PISLL, Health Agency of Tuscany (USL Toscana Centro), Tuscany, Italy
| | - Carla Poli
- Dipartimento di Prevenzione, PISLL, Health Agency of Tuscany (USL Toscana Centro), Tuscany, Italy
| | - Tonina Enza Iaia
- Dipartimento di Prevenzione, PISLL, Health Agency of Tuscany (USL Toscana Centro), Tuscany, Italy
| | - Antonella Buccianti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università degli Studi di Firenze, via La Pira 4, Firenze, Italy.,CNR - Istituto di Geoscienze e Georisorse, via La Pira 4, Firenze, Italy
| | - Maurizio Romanelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università degli Studi di Firenze, via La Pira 4, Firenze, Italy
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10
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Artificial Stone Associated Silicosis: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16040568. [PMID: 30781462 PMCID: PMC6406954 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16040568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Silicosis is a progressive fibrotic lung disease that is caused by the inhalation of respirable crystalline silica. Due to its high silica content, artificial stone (AS) can become a possible source of hazardous dust exposure for workers that are employed in the manufacturing, finishing, and installing of AS countertops. Therefore, the aim of this review was to verify the association between AS derived silica exposure and silicosis development, and also then define the pathological characteristics of the disease in relation to specific work practices and preventive and protective measures that were adopted in the workplace. A systematic review of articles available on Pubmed, Scopus, and Isi Web of Knowledge databases was performed. Although the characteristics of AS-associated silicosis were comparable to those that were reported for the disease in traditional silica exposure settings, some critical issues emerged concerning the general lack of suitable strategies for assessing/managing silica risks in these innovative occupational fields. Further research that is designed to assess the hazardous properties of AS dusts, levels of exposure in workplaces, and the effectiveness of protective equipment appears to be needed to increase awareness concerning AS risks and induce employers, employees, and all factory figures that are engaged in prevention to take action to define/adopt proper measures to protect the health of exposed workers.
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11
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Johnson DL, Phillips ML, Qi C, Van AT, Hawley DA. Experimental Evaluation of Respirable Dust and Crystalline Silica Controls During Simulated Performance of Stone Countertop Fabrication Tasks With Powered Hand Tools. Ann Work Expo Health 2017; 61:711-723. [PMID: 28927166 PMCID: PMC5675121 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxx040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Workers who fabricate stone countertops using hand tools are at risk of silicosis from overexposure to respirable crystalline silica. This study explored the efficacy of simple engineering controls that can be used for dust suppression during use of hand tools by stone countertop fabricators. METHODS Controlled experiments were conducted to measure whether wet methods and on-tool local exhaust ventilation (LEV) reduced respirable dust (RD) exposures during use of various powered hand tools on quartz-rich engineered stone. RD samples collected during edge grinding with a diamond cup wheel and a silicon carbide abrasive wheel were analyzed gravimetrically as well as by X-ray diffraction to determine silica content. A personal optical aerosol monitor was used simultaneously with the RD samples and also for rapid assessment of controls for polishing, blade cutting, and core drilling. RESULTS On-tool LEV and sheet-flow-wetting were effective in reducing exposures, especially when used in combination. Sheet-flow-wetting with LEV reduced geometric mean exposures by as much as 95%. However, typical water-spray-wetting on a grinding cup was less effective when combined with LEV than without LEV. Mean silica content of RD samples from grinding operations was 53%, and respirable mass and silica mass were very highly correlated (r = 0.980). Optical concentration measures were moderately well correlated with gravimetric measures (r = 0.817), but on average the optical measures during a single trial using the factory calibration were only one-fifth the simultaneous gravimetric measures. CONCLUSIONS Sheet-flow-wetting combined with on-tool LEV is an effective engineering control for reducing RD exposures during engineered stone edge grinding and blade cutting. On the other hand, addition of LEV to some water-spray-wetted tools may reduce the effectiveness of the wet method.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L. Johnson
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Oklahoma College of Public Health, P.O. Box 26901, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 72126-0901
| | - Margaret L. Phillips
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Oklahoma College of Public Health, P.O. Box 26901, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 72126-0901
| | - Chaolong Qi
- Division of Applied Research and Technology, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226
| | - Anthony T. Van
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Oklahoma College of Public Health, P.O. Box 26901, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 72126-0901
| | - Danielle A. Hawley
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Oklahoma College of Public Health, P.O. Box 26901, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 72126-0901
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12
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Pavan C, Polimeni M, Tomatis M, Corazzari I, Turci F, Ghigo D, Fubini B. Editor's Highlight: Abrasion of Artificial Stones as a New Cause of an Ancient Disease. Physicochemical Features and Cellular Responses. Toxicol Sci 2016; 153:4-17. [DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfw101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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13
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Paolucci V, Romeo R, Sisinni AG, Bartoli D, Mazzei MA, Sartorelli P. Silicosis in Workers Exposed to Artificial Quartz Conglomerates: Does It Differ From Chronic Simple Silicosis? Arch Bronconeumol 2015; 51:e57-60. [PMID: 26410340 DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2014.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Recently, a number of reports have been published on silicosis in workers exposed to artificial quartz conglomerates containing high levels of crystalline silica particles (70-90%) used in the construction of kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Three cases of silicosis in workers exposed to artificial quartz conglomerates are reported. The diagnosis was derived from both the International Labour Office and the International Classification of HRCT for Occupational and Environmental Respiratory Diseases (ICOERD) classifications and cytological analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In 2 cases, levels of respirable silica greatly in excess of recommended standards were measured in the workplace, and cytological analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid highlighted a prevalence of lymphocytes, meeting criteria for the diagnosis of accelerated silicosis. The prevention of pneumoconiosis caused by the use of innovative materials, such as artificial conglomerates with high crystalline silica content must be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Paolucci
- Unidad de Medicina Ocupacional, Departamento de Cirugía Médica y Neurociencias, Universidad de Siena, Siena, Italia
| | - Riccardo Romeo
- Unidad de Medicina Ocupacional, Departamento de Cirugía Médica y Neurociencias, Universidad de Siena, Siena, Italia
| | - Antonietta Gerardina Sisinni
- Unidad de Medicina Ocupacional, Departamento de Cirugía Médica y Neurociencias, Universidad de Siena, Siena, Italia
| | - Dusca Bartoli
- Unidad de prevención de riesgos laborales, AUSL 11, Empoli, Italia
| | - Maria Antonietta Mazzei
- Sección de Diagnóstico por Imágenes, Departamento de Cirugía Médica y Neurociencias, Universidad de Siena, Siena, Italia
| | - Pietro Sartorelli
- Unidad de Medicina Ocupacional, Departamento de Cirugía Médica y Neurociencias, Universidad de Siena, Siena, Italia.
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Shtraichman O, Blanc PD, Ollech JE, Fridel L, Fuks L, Fireman E, Kramer MR. Outbreak of autoimmune disease in silicosis linked to artificial stone. Occup Med (Lond) 2015; 65:444-50. [DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqv073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Cooper JH, Johnson DL, Phillips ML. Respirable silica dust suppression during artificial stone countertop cutting. THE ANNALS OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE 2015; 59:122-6. [PMID: 25326187 PMCID: PMC4290629 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/meu083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Revised: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the relative efficacy of three types of controls in reducing respirable silica exposure during artificial stone countertop cutting with a handheld circular saw. APPROACH A handheld worm drive circular saw equipped with a diamond segmented blade was fitted with water supply to wet the blade as is typical. The normal wetted-blade condition was compared to (i) wetted-blade plus 'water curtain' spray and (ii) wetted-blade plus local exhaust ventilation (LEV). Four replicate 30-min trials of 6-mm deep, 3-mm wide cuts in artificial quartz countertop stone were conducted at each condition in a 24-m(3) unventilated tent. One dry cutting trial was also conducted for comparison. Respirable cyclone breathing zone samples were collected on the saw operator and analyzed gravimetrically for respirable mass and by X-ray diffraction for respirable quartz mass. RESULTS Mean quartz content of the respirable dust was 58.5%. The ranges of 30-min mass and quartz task concentrations in mg m(-3) were as follows-wet blade alone: 3.54-7.51 and 1.87-4.85; wet blade + curtain: 1.81-5.97 and 0.92-3.41; and wet blade + LEV: 0.20-0.69 and <0.12-0.20. Dry cutting task concentrations were 69.6 mg m(-3) mass and 44.6 mg m(-3) quartz. There was a statistically significant difference (α = 0.05) between the wet blade + LEV and wet blade only conditions, but not between the wet blade + curtain and wet blade only conditions, for both respirable dust and respirable silica. CONCLUSIONS Sawing with a wetted blade plus LEV reduced mean respirable dust and quartz task exposures by a factor of 10 compared to the wet blade only condition. We were unable to show a statistically significant benefit of a water curtain in the ejection path, but the data suggested some respirable dust suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared H Cooper
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Oklahoma College of Public Health, 801 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - David L Johnson
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Oklahoma College of Public Health, 801 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Margaret L Phillips
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Oklahoma College of Public Health, 801 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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Pérez-Alonso A, Córdoba-Doña JA, Millares-Lorenzo JL, Figueroa-Murillo E, García-Vadillo C, Romero-Morillos J. Outbreak of silicosis in Spanish quartz conglomerate workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2014; 20:26-32. [PMID: 24804337 DOI: 10.1179/2049396713y.0000000049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of an outbreak of occupational silicosis and the associated working conditions. METHODS Cases were defined as men working in the stone cutting, shaping, and finishing industry in the province of Cádiz, diagnosed with silicosis between July 2009 and May 2012, and were identified and diagnosed by the department of pulmonology of the University Hospital of Puerto Real (Cádiz). A census of workplaces using quartz conglomerates was carried out to determine total numbers of potentially exposed workers. A patient telephone survey on occupational exposures and a review of medical records for all participants were conducted. RESULTS Silicosis was diagnosed in 46 men with a median age of 33 years and a median of 11 years working in the manufacturing of countertops. Of these cases, 91.3% were diagnosed with simple chronic silicosis, with an abnormal high-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) scan. One patient died during the study period. Employer non-compliance in prevention and control measures was frequently reported, as were environmental and individual protection failures. CONCLUSIONS The use of new construction materials such as quartz conglomerates has increased silicosis incidence due to intensive occupational exposures, in the context of high demand fuelled by the housing boom. This widespread exposure poses a risk if appropriate preventive measures are not undertaken.
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Pérez-Alonso A, Córdoba-Doña JA, García-Vadillo C. Silicosis: relevant differences between marble workers and miners. Arch Bronconeumol 2014; 51:53-4. [PMID: 24703818 DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2014.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aránzazu Pérez-Alonso
- Servicio de Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Universitario de Puerto Real, Puerto Real,Cádiz, España.
| | - Juan Antonio Córdoba-Doña
- Servicio de Salud Pública, Delegación Territorial de Salud y Bienestar Social de Cádiz, Cádiz, España
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Kramer MR, Blanc PD, Fireman E, Amital A, Guber A, Rhahman NA, Shitrit D. Artificial Stone Silicosis. Chest 2012; 142:419-424. [DOI: 10.1378/chest.11-1321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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