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Saka MB, Hashim MHBM. Critical assessment of the effectiveness of different dust control measures in a granite quarry. J Public Health Policy 2024; 45:212-233. [PMID: 38600319 DOI: 10.1057/s41271-024-00481-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The exposure to respirable crystalline silica found in granite dust presents significant health hazards to quarry workers and nearby communities, including silicosis and various respiratory ailments. This study evaluates the efficacy of various pollution control measures implemented in granite quarries. It aimed to provide a comprehensive critical assessment of the effectiveness of various dust control measures, considering their mechanisms, impact on air quality, and implications for worker health and community welfare. The strategy involved compiling and systematically analysing existing research articles, literature, and industry reports. The investigation identified three primary categories of measures: engineering controls, water-based suppression methods, and technological solutions. The study highlighted the significance of environmental impact and sustainability factors in selecting measures. These factors include water and energy consumption, production of secondary pollutants, long-term ecological effects, regulatory compliance, and cost-effectiveness. Operators and policymakers should utilize integrated, context-specific, inventive, and interdisciplinary strategies to efficiently control particle emissions from granite quarrying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mumini Babatunde Saka
- School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), 14300, Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hazizan Bin Mohd Hashim
- School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), 14300, Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
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Huang X, Liang R, Liu Y, Yu L, Yang M, Shang B, Zhang H, Ma J, Chen W, Wang D. Incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years due to silicosis worldwide, 1990-2019: evidence from the global burden of disease study 2019. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:36910-36924. [PMID: 38758446 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33701-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Silicosis is an occupational lung disease because of exposure to silica dust in the workplace. Evidence on the spatiotemporal change of silicosis burden worldwide remains limited. This study utilized data extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 to examine the numbers and age-standardized rates of incidence (ASIR), mortality (ASMR), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) caused by silicosis between 1990 and 2019. Average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) were calculated to evaluate the temporal trends of age-standardized indicators by sex, region, and socio-demographic index (SDI) since 1990. Results indicated an increase in new silicosis cases globally, rising by 64.61% from 84,426 in 1990 to 138,971 in 2019, with a sustained high number of DALYs attributed to this disease. Although the global age-standardized rates of incidence, mortality, and DALYs of silicosis have decreased since 1990, the number of new cases has increased in 168 countries and territories, and the ASIR of silicosis has also risen in 118 countries and territories, primarily in developing countries. Since 1990, the burden of silicosis among the elderly has significantly increased. Countries with higher SDI experienced a more rapid decline in the silicosis burden. Silicosis remains a public health problem that requires significant attention. Programs for prevention and elimination of this public health issue need to be established in more countries and territories. Protecting young workers from silica dust exposure is crucial to prevent the onset of silicosis in their later years and to reduce the disease burden among older workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuezan Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ruyi Liang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Linling Yu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Meng Yang
- Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Bingxin Shang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Haozhe Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jixuan Ma
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Weihong Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Dongming Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Su TY, Lee LJH, Chen JM, Chung SH, Wu WT. Analyzing the incidence of silicosis across various industries in Taiwan: a study of occupational disease surveillance by linking national-based workers' and medicoadministrative databases. Public Health 2023; 225:110-119. [PMID: 37924635 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.09.029] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to establish an occupational disease surveillance system by identifying high-risk industries for silicosis in Taiwan using a national database linkage approach. METHODS The study was based on a comprehensive analysis of benefit claims from the National Labor Insurance Research Database and medical records from the National Health Insurance Research Database between 2004 and 2020, providing coverage for more than 88.5% of the workforce and 99.9% of citizens. Silicosis was defined as having received compensation for labor insurance benefits or having received a diagnosis of silicosis (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision: J62 or International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision: 502). The study used the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities for industry-specific classification. Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare the silicosis incidence and risk among each industry and identify high-risk industries for silicosis. RESULTS This study analyzed 1466 cases of silicosis between 2004 and 2020 and found that 28 industries had incidence rates of over 40 cases per 100,000 workers, indicating more than double the risk of developing silicosis. Of these industries, 14 were considered high risk (relative risk of over four times). Among these, this study identified industries rarely mentioned in the past, such as wholesale of brick, sand, cement, and products, artistic creation, landscape construction, and materials recovery. Stratification by years of work experience reveals those industries such as quarrying of stone, sand, clay, and other mining, construction of buildings, landscape construction, site preparation, foundation and structure construction, building completion and finishing, manufacture of ships, boats, and floating structures, and plumbing, heat, and air conditioning installation display higher hazard ratios for individuals with <10 years of work experience. CONCLUSIONS The current surveillance system has identified certain industries that are at a higher risk of developing silicosis, which could be used for future occupational epidemiological surveys and targeted preventive measures in these sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- T-Y Su
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan; School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - L J-H Lee
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan; Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - J-M Chen
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - S-H Chung
- Institute of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Labor, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - W-T Wu
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan; Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Sinha R, Priya A, Ahmad A. Risk of Silico-Tuberculosis in Miners: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2023; 27:296-302. [PMID: 38390483 PMCID: PMC10880824 DOI: 10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_287_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Context Tuberculosis (TB) and Silicosis are public health problems with high morbidity and mortality. They also exist as comorbidities and are highly prevalent among mine workers. Aims This study aims to estimate the risk of TB in miners with silicosis than in miners not having silicosis. Methods and Material This systematic review was conducted by literature search using PubMed, and EMBASE for studies published from 1st Jan 2017 till 20th July 2022. From the data obtained using relevant keywords for the search, a total of 345 articles were selected for screening after applying our inclusion-exclusion criteria and removing duplicates. PRISMA guidelines were followed. items JBI critical appraisal checklist for cross-sectional studies was used for assessment of the risk of bias. The odds ratio was used to estimate the strength of the association. Results After extensive screening, four studies have met our selection criteria. The meta-analysis of those studies revealed that the prevalence of TB in miners with silicosis is 27.11% while the prevalence of TB in miners with non-silicosis is 16.75%. The estimated pooled odds ratio (fixed effect model) is 1.34 (95% CI 1.01 - 1.76). Conclusions The present study reveals that there is an increased risk of TB in miners with Silicosis. Newer initiatives must be taken to prevent TB in miners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratnesh Sinha
- Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Manipal TATA Medical College, Jamshedpur, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Angelin Priya
- Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Manipal TATA Medical College, Jamshedpur, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Absar Ahmad
- Department of Statistics, Ranchi Veterinary College, Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
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Albadrani M. Exploring the Impact of Silicosis Incidence on Tuberculosis Mortality and Morbidity: A Multi-Country Study. Med Sci (Basel) 2023; 11:63. [PMID: 37873748 PMCID: PMC10594424 DOI: 10.3390/medsci11040063] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are several risk factors attributed to tuberculosis (TB) mortality and morbidity. There are few studies and systematic reviews showing the association of silicosis and tuberculosis at a country level. Very limited studies have been conducted using multi-country data in studying the association of incidence of silicosis with TB mortality and morbidity. Hence, the aim of this research was to explore the association of incidence of silicosis and other important risk factors with TB mortality and morbidity using multi-country data. METHODS Data from 217 WHO region countries were utilized, sourcing TB-related statistics from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation and additional risk factors from the Demographic and Health Survey, Global Burden of Disease, and World Bank for 2019. Regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between silicosis incidence and TB outcomes. RESULTS The study found an average silicosis incidence of 121.92 per 100,000 population. Additionally, 62.69% of the sample population are exposed to air pollution from solid fuel cooking. Sanitation access stands at an average of 59.67%. Regression outcomes indicate that while alcohol consumption's influence on TB is not statistically significant, a unit increase in silicosis incidence significantly elevates TB deaths (235.9, p = 0.005), YLL (9399.3, p = 0.011), and YLD (910.8, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION The burden of silicosis is found to be one of the important determinants of deaths, YLL, and YLD due to tuberculosis. Country-specific strategies to prevent and control silicosis is a need of the hour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muayad Albadrani
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah 42353, Saudi Arabia
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Meintjes WAJ. Silicosis and silicotuberculosis: Ancient diseases that are still not conquered. Afr J Thorac Crit Care Med 2023; 29:10.7196/AJTCCM.2023.v29i3.1495. [PMID: 37970572 PMCID: PMC10642407 DOI: 10.7196/ajtccm.2023.v29i3.1495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- W A J Meintjes
- Head: Occupational Medicine, Tygerberg Hospital, Western Cape Department
of Health and Wellness, Cape Town, South Africa; Senior Lecturer, Division of
Health Systems and Public Health, Department of Global Health, Faculty of
Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Ehrlich R, Barker S, Montgomery A, Lewis P, Kistnasamy B, Yassi A. Mining Migrant Worker Recruitment Policy and the Production of a Silicosis Epidemic in Late 20th-Century Southern Africa. Ann Glob Health 2023; 89:25. [PMID: 37009028 PMCID: PMC10064917 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Between the 1980s and 2000s, an epidemic of silicosis was identified in migrant black gold miners, many from neighbouring countries, who had worked in the South African gold mines. This study uses the newly available employment database of a large gold mining company to demonstrate how a sustained rise in employment duration in a new cohort of black migrant workers resulted from changes in recruitment policy, and it examines the implications for current surveillance and redress. Methods Contract data of 300,774 workers from the employment database of a multi-mine gold mining company were analysed for 1973-2018. Piecewise linear regression was applied to determine trends in cumulative employment, including South African versus cross-border miners. The proportions with cumulative employment of at least 10, 15, or 20 years, typical thresholds for chronic silicosis, were also calculated. Results Five calendar phases were identified between 1973 and 2018. During the second phase, 1985-2013, mean cumulative duration of employment rose fivefold, from 4 to 20 years. Cumulative employment continued to rise, although more slowly, before peaking in 2014 at 23.5 years and falling thereafter to 20.1 years in 2018. Over most of the 1973-2018 period, miners from neighbouring countries had greater cumulative employment than South African miners. Overall, the proportion of miners exiting with at least 15 years of cumulative employment rose from 5% in 1988 to 75% in 2018. This report identifies a number of fundamental changes in labour recruitment policy in the gold mining industry in the 1970s which provide an explanation for the subsequent rise in cumulative exposure and associated silicosis risk. Conclusions These new data support the hypothesis of a silicosis epidemic driven by increasing cumulative silica dust exposure in a new cohort of circular migrant workers from the 1970s. They inform current programmes to improve surveillance of this neglected population for silicosis and related disease and to provide medical examinations and compensation to a large number of former gold mines. The analysis highlights the lack of information on cumulative employment and silicosis risk among migrant miners in previous decades. The findings have global relevance to the plight of such migrant workers in hazardous occupations.
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Hoy RF, Jeebhay MF, Cavalin C, Chen W, Cohen RA, Fireman E, Go LHT, León‐Jiménez A, Menéndez‐Navarro A, Ribeiro M, Rosental P. Current global perspectives on silicosis-Convergence of old and newly emergent hazards. Respirology 2022; 27:387-398. [PMID: 35302259 PMCID: PMC9310854 DOI: 10.1111/resp.14242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Silicosis not a disease of the past. It is an irreversible, fibrotic lung disease specifically caused by exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust. Over 20,000 incident cases of silicosis were identified in 2017 and millions of workers continue to be exposed to RCS. Identified case numbers are however a substantial underestimation due to deficiencies in reporting systems and occupational respiratory health surveillance programmes in many countries. Insecure workers, immigrants and workers in small businesses are at particular risk of more intense RCS exposure. Much of the focus of research and prevention activities has been on the mining sector. Hazardous RCS exposure however occurs in a wide range of occupational setting which receive less attention, in particular the construction industry. Recent outbreaks of silicosis associated with the fabrication of domestic kitchen benchtops from high-silica content artificial stone have been particularly notable because of the young age of affected workers, short duration of RCS exposure and often rapid disease progression. Developments in nanotechnology and hydraulic fracking provide further examples of how rapid changes in technology and industrial processes require governments to maintain constant vigilance to identify and control potential sources of RCS exposure. Despite countries around the world dealing with similar issues related to RCS exposure, there is an absence of sustained global public health response including lack of consensus of an occupational exposure limit that would provide protection to workers. Although there are complex challenges, global elimination of silicosis must remain the goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan F. Hoy
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health SciencesMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Respiratory MedicineThe Alfred HospitalPrahranVictoriaAustralia
| | - Mohamed F. Jeebhay
- Occupational Medicine Division and Centre for Environmental & Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Catherine Cavalin
- CNRS (IRISSO, UMR CNRS‐INRAE 7170‐1427), Université Paris‐Dauphine, PSL, Soutien à la mobilité internationale (SMI) du CNRSParisFrance
- Madrid Institute for Advanced Study (MIAS)MadridSpain
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory for the Evaluation of Public Policies, LIEPPSciences PoParisFrance
- Employment and Labour Research Centre, CNAMNoisy‐le‐GrandFrance
| | - Weihong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Robert A. Cohen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicineNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Division, School of Public HealthUniversity of Illinois ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Elizabeth Fireman
- Institute of Pulmonary and Allergic DiseasesTel‐Aviv Sourasky Medical CenterTel AvivIsrael
- Department Occupational Environmental Medicine, Sackler School of MedicineTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Leonard H. T. Go
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicineNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Division, School of Public HealthUniversity of Illinois ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Antonio León‐Jiménez
- Pulmonology, Allergy and Thoracic Surgery DepartmentPuerta del Mar University HospitalCádizSpain
| | | | - Marcos Ribeiro
- Pulmonary DepartmentUniversidade Estadual de Londrina: LondrinaParanáBrazil
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Reforming the workers' compensation process for occupational lung disease among miners in South Africa: an efficiency study of claims assessment. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2022; 95:825-833. [PMID: 34999999 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-021-01805-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The large burden of silicosis and tuberculosis (TB) in the South African mining industry, coupled with an under-resourcing of the compensation agencies responsible for certifying occupational lung disease, have resulted in serious backlogs. This work aimed to measure the efficiency gains from triaging occupational lung disease claims using claim type, years of mining exposure and computer aided detection (CAD) to save on scarce medical adjudicators. METHODS During 2020, the compensation authority started to triage claims for TB and those of miners with < 10 years of service to two-person panels instead of the four-person panel plus radiologist used previously. Efficiency gain was calculated in medical person-units saved and reduction in delays. Different service thresholds predictive of silicosis were simulated, as well as the impact of pre-classification of chest X-rays with CAD using different combinations of sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS The new triage system saved 20.3% in person-time units and reduced delays by 10-20 days. Without CAD the greatest efficiency gain (28%) was projected from dispensing with a mining service threshold and routing all non-TB claims to the small panels at the outset. Simulation of four different CAD sensitivity/specificity combinations yielded efficiency gains of 18.2-36.1%, with 31.1% judged the most realistic. Use of sensitivity of close to 100% would not be feasible because of the very low resulting specificity. CONCLUSION Pre-adjudication triage of claims at the compensation agency is capable of saving a substantial proportion of adjudicator time and reducing certification delays. Additional efficiency gains are achievable by referring all claims to small panels to begin with and improvement of CAD performance for this ex-miner population.
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Ehrlich R, Akugizibwe P, Siegfried N, Rees D. The association between silica exposure, silicosis and tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:953. [PMID: 34016067 PMCID: PMC8136154 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10711-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the association between occupational inhalation of silica dust and pulmonary tuberculosis has been known for over a century, there has never been a published systematic review, particularly of experience in the current era of less severe silicosis and treatable tuberculosis. We undertook a systematic review of the evidence for the association between (1) silicosis and pulmonary tuberculosis, and (2) silica exposure and pulmonary tuberculosis controlling for silicosis, and their respective exposure-response gradients. METHODS We searched PUBMED and EMBASE, and selected studies according to a priori inclusion criteria. We extracted, summarised and pooled the results of published case-control and cohort studies of silica exposure and/or silicosis and incident active tuberculosis. Study quality was assessed on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Where meta-analysis was possible, effect estimates were pooled using inverse-variance weighted random-effects models. Otherwise narrative and graphic synthesis was undertaken. Confidence regarding overall effect estimates was assessed using the GRADE schema. RESULTS Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of eight studies of silicosis and tuberculosis yielded a pooled relative risk of 4.01 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.88, 5.58). Exposure-response gradients were strong with a low silicosis severity threshold for increased risk. Our GRADE assessment was high confidence in a strong association. Meta-analysis of five studies of silica exposure controlling for or excluding silicosis yielded a pooled relative risk of 1.92 (95% CI 1.36, 2.73). Exposure-response gradients were observable in individual studies but not finely stratified enough to infer an exposure threshold. Our GRADE assessment was low confidence in the estimated effect owing to inconsistency and use of proxies for silica exposure. CONCLUSIONS The evidence is robust for a strongly elevated risk of tuberculosis with radiological silicosis, with a low disease severity threshold. The effect estimate is more uncertain for silica exposure without radiological silicosis. Research is needed, particularly cohort studies measuring silica exposure in different settings, to characterise the effect more accurately as well as the silica exposure threshold that could be used to prevent excess tuberculosis risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney Ehrlich
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Paula Akugizibwe
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nandi Siegfried
- Independent Clinical Epidemiologist, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David Rees
- National Institute for Occupational Health, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Mineworkers in South Africa experience a triple burden of disease due to their distinct work experience. Silicosis increases their risk of tuberculosis (TB), exacerbated by the HIV epidemic. Work-related factors are likely to increase transmission, severity, and post infection sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Understanding these relationships is important to control the impact of the epidemic. RECENT FINDINGS SARS-CoV-2 infection rates among mineworkers exceed the population rates in the provinces in which those mines are located. Migrant work, living in crowded hostels, working in narrow poorly ventilated shafts mainly underground constitute important factors that increase transmission risk. Mineworkers continue to experience high levels of silica exposure. The prevalences of silicosis, HIV and pulmonary TB, remain high. Interstitial lung disease, pulmonary TB, and HIV have all been associated with poorer outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Mineworkers with post infection respiratory sequelae are likely to lose their jobs or lose income, due to the physically demanding nature of underground minework. SUMMARY Further research into the unique work-related risk factors in mining that influence the COVID-19 epidemic is crucial for optimizing current interventions. Reducing SARS-CoV-2 infection transmission, health monitoring of infected and vulnerable workers, and following up of postinfection outcomes is essential to protect the respiratory health of miners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajen N. Naidoo
- Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban
| | - Mohamed F. Jeebhay
- Occupational Medicine Division and Centre for Environmental & Occupational Health Research (CEOHR), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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