Development of an ACGIH construction industry silica exposure database overview

Historical and emerging workplaces affected by silica exposure since the 1930 Johannesburg conference on Silicosis, with special reference to construction

INTRODUCTION

At the time of the 1930 International Labour Office Conference on silicosis in Johannesburg, mining was the main sector affected by silicosis; however, other industries would later emerge as areas of concern.

METHODS

A search of the occupational hygiene and epidemiological literature was conducted to retrieve historical and current documents pertaining to silica exposure and associated hazards.

RESULTS

The potential risk of silicosis in construction became evident starting in the 1960s, and the body of literature including case reports, sampling surveys, and medical surveillance continues to grow to this day. Among non-construction activities, hydraulic fracturing and engineered countertop manufacturing have recently appeared as industries with a potential for overexposure, while mining remains the industrial sector with the highest prevalence of exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of developing this "ancient disease" remains a current issue in many workplaces, and requires ongoing surveillance and prevention efforts.