Introduction: The objective of this contribution is to describe, for the first time, occurrence, temporal trends and spatial patterns of mortality from silicosis in Italy in recent decades.
Methods: Mortality data on pneumoconiosis due to silica or silicates (ICD-9 code 502, ICD-10 code J62) were extracted from the Italian National Mortality Database. Temporal trends were analysed in the period 1990-2012; standardized rates per 100 000, spatial distribution, including cluster analysis, were computed for eleven years, i.e. 2000-2012 (2004-2005, data non available).
Results: In the period 1990-2012, a general decline in mortality was found with a total decrease of 74% and an estimated three year percentage change of -7.72. 4590 deaths from silicosis were observed in eleven years, 98% of them among men. The average age at death was 79.8 years. The mean age standardized rate was 0.33 (95% CI: 0.32 to 0.34). The Regions of Aosta Valley, Abruzzo and Sardinia had the highest rates. The assessment of risk at municipality level showed a significant excess of risk in 804 out of 8057 municipalities. Clusters of municipalities with a risk higher than expected were 34, observed in 18 out of 21 Regions.
Conclusions: The study shows that mortality due to silicosis in Italy has steadily declined in the last decades, with differences among Regions. Clusters of municipalities with an excess of risk should be verified with Local Health Units in order to assess the need of targeted preventive actions.