Silicosis in finishing workers in quartz conglomerates processing

Area of Science:

• Occupational Medicine
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Toxicology

Background:

• Recent outbreaks of silicosis have been reported in artificial stone workers.
• Artificial stone, particularly quartz conglomerate, poses a significant risk for developing silicosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize silicosis in workers fabricating quartz conglomerate countertops in North-Eastern Italy.
• To assess the diagnostic utility of various screening methods for silicosis in this occupational group.

Main Methods:

• An active search for pneumoconiosis was conducted across 11 companies manufacturing quartz conglomerate countertops.
• Data collected included occupational history, lung function tests (spirometry, DLco), chest X-ray, and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT).
• Histological analysis of trans-bronchial biopsies was performed in selected cases to identify silica crystals.

Main Results:

• Twenty-four cases of silicosis were diagnosed among 45 recruited workers, with a mean age of 43 years.
• Abnormal findings were prevalent: 42% on chest X-ray, 33% on spirometry, and 50% on carbon monoxide lung diffusion (DLco).
• High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) revealed abnormalities in all cases, and histological examination confirmed silicosis with identified silica particles.

Conclusions:

• An unexpectedly high incidence of silicosis was observed in Italian workers exposed to quartz conglomerate dust.
• Chest HRCT is recommended for screening workers with high silica exposure, and DLco should supplement spirometry in health surveillance.
• Stricter enforcement of safety regulations and enhanced workplace preventive interventions are crucial to mitigate silicosis risk.