Silicosis mortality in Italy: temporal trends 1990-2012 and spatial patterns 2000-2012

Area of Science:

• Occupational epidemiology
• Public health surveillance
• Respiratory disease research

Background:

• Silicosis, a serious lung disease caused by silica dust inhalation, poses a significant public health challenge.
• Understanding the epidemiological trends of silicosis mortality is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
• Previous research has not comprehensively detailed the occurrence, temporal trends, and spatial patterns of silicosis mortality in Italy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the occurrence, temporal trends, and spatial patterns of silicosis mortality in Italy over recent decades.
• To identify geographical areas and temporal periods with significant silicosis mortality rates.
• To provide data for informing targeted public health interventions and preventive actions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Italian National Mortality Database for pneumoconiosis deaths (ICD-9: 502, ICD-10: J62) from 1990-2012.
• Analyzed temporal trends, calculating standardized mortality rates per 100,000 population.
• Conducted spatial distribution and cluster analysis for the period 2000-2012 (excluding 2004-2005).

Main Results:

• Observed a 74% decline in silicosis mortality from 1990-2012, with an average annual decrease of -7.72%.
• Recorded 4590 deaths, predominantly among men (98%), with an average age at death of 79.8 years.
• Identified highest mortality rates in Aosta Valley, Abruzzo, and Sardinia; detected significant excess risk in 804 municipalities and 34 clusters across 18 regions.

Conclusions:

• Silicosis mortality in Italy shows a consistent decline over the past decades, but with notable regional variations.
• The presence of localized clusters with excess risk warrants verification with Local Health Units.
• Findings underscore the need for targeted preventive actions in high-risk municipalities to mitigate silicosis burden.