Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 14, 2025

A Silicosis Mouse Model Established by Repeated Inhalation of Crystalline Silica Dust
Published on: January 6, 2023
Evaluation of Silicosis, Asthma, and COPD Among Sand and Gravel and Stone Surface Mine Workers
Hailey TenHarmsel1, Ling Wang, Kenneth D Rosenman
1Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, East Lansing, Michigan (Ms TenHarmsel, Dr Wang, and Dr Rosenman).
Objective:
Despite the large number of workers in surface sand and gravel mines, there are no previous studies on a cohort of these workers.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study of Michigan surface mine workers included a questionnaire and for those who worked ≥15 years spirometry and chest x-ray.
Results:
Questionnaires were completed by 1207 miners, 111 had an X-ray and 70 had spirometry. There were no silicosis cases. There were 117 with asthma, 22 COPD, 129 saw a doctor for shortness of breath (SOB), 125 with possible work-related asthma, and 26 abnormal spirometry results.
Conclusions:
Although, no cases of silicosis were identified, there was more current asthma; and an association of current asthma, COPD and seeing a doctor for SOB with time since first worked, and obstructive changes in some nonsmokers that suggested the potential for adverse respiratory effects.
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