Ceramic industry and pneumoconiosis in Turkey: a cross-sectional study on workplace health management

Pneumoconiosis is among the most frequently diagnosed occupational diseases in Turkey, with the ceramic industry accounting for a considerable proportion. This study aimed to assess the frequency of pneumoconiosis among ceramic industry workers referred to an occupational medicine clinic with suspected pneumoconiosis, to identify high-risk departments, and to evaluate the referral process and workplace case management practices.

In this cross-sectional study, 295 ceramic industry workers aged 18-64 years who were referred to an occupational medicine clinic for suspected pneumoconiosis by three medium-sized companies between 2013 and 2018 were analyzed. Data were obtained from referral forms and clinic records. Pneumoconiosis diagnosis was established by occupational medicine specialists based on chest radiographs, high-resolution computed tomography, and occupational history. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to assess the normality of the distribution. Pearson's chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis.

Of the 295 workers, 56.3% were current smokers, and 32.5% were diagnosed with pneumoconiosis. The frequency of pneumoconiosis was lower among never-smokers compared with the current and ex-smokers (p < 0.01). The highest diagnosis rates were observed in shaping (41.9%), glazing (38.6%), and raw material processing (36.6%) departments. Referral documents often lacked essential information, with workplace duties missing in 89.5%, workplace exposures in 84.1%, and hygiene assessments in 100% of cases. Among the workers diagnosed with pneumoconiosis who attended at least one follow-up visit, 49.2% were reassigned to different duties. Of the smokers within this follow-up group, 79.0% continued smoking.

Pneumoconiosis is a significant occupational disease among ceramic workers in Turkey, requiring coordinated preventive action at both workplace and national levels. The critical lack of adequate exposure data in referral documents and the absence of structured post-diagnosis follow-up reveal weaknesses in current occupational hygiene and workplace health surveillance practices. Strengthening accurate assessment and documentation of exposure, standardizing referral protocols, ensuring effective periodic screenings, and promoting structured post-diagnosis follow-up, including smoking cessation interventions, are fundamental to improve disease management. To ensure effective control of pneumoconiosis in the ceramic industry in Turkey, existing legislation and occupational safety and health principles must be translated into well-monitored preventive actions at the workplace.