Editorial
Silica Exposure and Silicosis: Action is Needed Now
Abstract
Exposure to silica and subsequent silicosis continues to be a problem in developed countries,1 with more than 3.2 million workers exposed in the European Union in 2000, and is particularly prevalent in developing countries, where new clusters of cases have occurred (eg, denim sandblasters in Turkey2 and stone grinders in India3). In some cases, the disease ensues after a shorter duration of exposure, which is likely due to higher silica concentrations in the workplace.I In developing countries, silicosis is largely a hidden epidemic due to poor or nonexistent surveillance, and available data are likely to be underestimated. As an example, miners with severe silicosis can be declared medically unfit for work or abandon mining work, and thus many studies do not include follow up after employment ceases, when most cases occur.This content is limited to qualifying members.
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