Respirable Dust and Silica: Respiratory Diseases Among Swedish Iron Foundry Workers. Issue 7 (11th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lenander-Ramirez, Alexander; Bryngelsson, Ing-Liss; Vihlborg, Per; Westberg, Håkan; Andersson, Lena
• Is Part Of: Journal of occupational and environmental medicine. Volume 64:Issue 7(2022)
• Page Start: 593
• Page End: 598
• Publication Date: 2022-07-11
• Subjects: COPD -- respirable dust -- respirable silica -- respiratory diseases -- silicosis; Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Occupational Medicine -- Periodicals; Environmental Medicine -- Periodicals; Environmental health; Medicine, Industrial; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9803
• DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002533
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1076-2752

Abstract

Abstract : The clinical significance of this paper is the statistically increased mortality and morbidity on respiratory diseases in outpatients of Swedish foundry workers, particularly COPD, at certain exposure levels. The results can be used as risk assessment for individuals to prevent the development of respiratory diseases and as basis for new occupational exposure limits. Abstract : Objective: The mortality and morbidity pattern for respiratory diseases was determined in a cohort of 1752 Swedish foundry workers, particularly for respirable silica dust exposure. Methods: The morbidity follow-up in the Swedish National Non-primary Outpatient Register covered 2001 to 2017 (NPR; specialist not in care patients), the mortality from the National Causes of Death Register covered 2001 to 2017. Cumulative exposures to silica and dust were determined. Results: The morbidity in COPD showed significantly increased risk for all exposure groups, as did silicosis in the high exposure group, these cases corresponded to silica exposure levels below 0.05 mg/m3. The mortality of all causes and respiratory diseases was significantly increased by cumulative silica exposure in the high exposure group. Conclusions: Significantly increased morbidity for respiratory diseases and COPD was determined at silica exposure levels below the current Swedish OEL.