Evaluation of workplace exposure to respirable crystalline silica in Italy

Int J Occup Environ Health. 2014 Oct;20(4):301-7. doi: 10.1179/2049396714Y.0000000078. Epub 2014 Jul 31.

Abstract

Background: Crystalline silica is a human carcinogen and its use is widespread among construction, mining, foundries, and other manufacturing industries.

Purpose: To evaluate occupational exposure to crystalline silica in Italy.

Methods: Data were collected from exposure registries and descriptive statistics were calculated for exposure-related variables. The number of potentially exposed workers was estimated in a subset of industrial sectors. Linear mixed model analysis was performed to determine factors affecting the exposure level.

Results: We found 1387 cases of crystalline silica exposure between 1996 and 2012. Exposure was most common in construction work (AM = 0·057 mg/m(3), N = 505), and among miners and quarry workers (AM = 0·048 mg/m(3), N = 238). We estimated that 41 643 workers were at risk of exposure in the selected industrial sectors during the same period.

Conclusions: This study identified high-risk sectors for occupational exposure to crystalline silica, which can help guide targeted dust control interventions and health promotion campaigns in the workplace.

Keywords: Crystalline silica,; Exposure assessment,; Inhalation,; Italy; Occupational health,.

MeSH terms

  • Construction Industry / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Industry / statistics & numerical data
  • Inhalation Exposure / adverse effects
  • Inhalation Exposure / statistics & numerical data*
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Mining / statistics & numerical data
  • Models, Statistical
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects
  • Occupational Exposure / statistics & numerical data*
  • Registries
  • Risk Factors
  • Silicon Dioxide / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Silicon Dioxide