Silicosis: Emerging Trends and How to Screen for Early Detection

Abstract

Background: National investigations are finding silicosis in young workers. We developed a silicosis case-finding process and conducted follow-up interviews to identify emerging exposure sources.

Methods: Probable cases were identified through Wisconsin hospital discharge and emergency department data and Wisconsin lung transplant programs. Interviews were attempted with case-patients under age 60.

Results: We identified 68 probable silicosis cases and interviewed 4 case-patients. Occupational exposures for cases under age 60 included sandblasting, quarry work, foundry work, coal mining, and stone fabrication. Two stone fabrication workers were diagnosed before age 40.

Discussion: Prevention is critically important to eliminate occupational silicosis. Clinicians should obtain the occupational and exposure history to identify cases of occupational lung disease and notify public health to identify and prevent workplace exposures.