We studied the epidemiology of silicosis in Poland over 20 years. We focused on silicosis cases that after occupational exposure to silica of less than 5 y

Silicosis develops after inhalation of dust containing respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and is recognized as an occupational disease. Workers also develop accelerated and acute silicosis after shorter exposure to respirable silica dust at high concentrations.

Aims

The objective of this study is to investigate and identify the occupational groups at the highest risk of silicosis due to short-term RCS exposure.

Key learning points

What is already known about this subject:

  • A few studies , which are limited to small series and case reports of acute and accelerated silicosis, have reported findings on health effects associated with short-term respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure.

  • Little is known about the occupational factors that are associated with of acute or accelerated silicosis development.

  • It is needed to identify the occupational activity groups at the highest risk of silicosis due to short-term RCS exposure.

What impact this may have on practice or policy:

  • Findings contribute to better understanding of health effects associated with short-term RCS exposure.

  • Results are valuable guidance in identifying risk groups of silicosis development after short-term exposure to respirable crystalline silica in terms of occupational activity and should urge occupational health care providers along with employers to improve protective and preventive measures in silica related industries.

  • Outcomes should increase vigilance of occupational medicine professionals in early detecting of silicosis symptoms in the course of employment in RCS exposure.