Tompa E, Mofidi A, Song C, Arrandale V, Jardine KJ, Davies H, Tenkate T, Demers PA. Break-even Analysis of Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) Exposure Interventions in the Construction Sector.
J Occup Environ Med 2021;
63:e792-e800. [PMID:
34739444 DOI:
10.1097/jom.0000000000002375]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE
We investigated long-term economic impacts of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) removal interventions in the construction at the societal level.
METHODS
We estimated costs and benefits of two RCS exposure interventions, use of "respirators" and "wet method," over a 30-year time period. We identified economic impacts of the interventions under four different scenarios.
RESULTS
Under current practices, we estimated that approximately 125 lung cancer cases attributable to RCS exposure would arise in 2060. Under the full exposure removal scenario, we estimated there would be 53 new cases. Over the 30-year time period, the estimated cumulative averted cases are 787 and 482 for respirators and wet method, respectively, which amount to net benefits of $422.13 and $394.92 million.
CONCLUSIONS
Findings provide important information for policymakers seeking to reduce the economic burden of occupational lung cancer in society.
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