Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026
10:45
A Silicosis Mouse Model Established by Repeated Inhalation of Crystalline Silica Dust
Published on: January 6, 2023
Preventable yet persistent: silicosis and gaps in public health policy - a narrative review
Pradnya Rajmane1, Rametrika Saha1, Ayushi Devagekar1
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Karnataka.
Summary
Silicosis, a preventable occupational lung disease, is resurging globally, especially in India. Urgent policy reform and accountability are needed to protect millions of at-risk workers from silica exposure.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Silicosis is a critical, preventable occupational lung disease with a global resurgence.
- High-intensity silica exposure, particularly in engineered stone industries, causes rapid, fatal disease variants.
- Over 50 million Indian workers are projected to be at risk by 2026.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize global and national evidence on the burden of silicosis.
- To highlight the specific crisis in India, including high prevalence rates and syndemic with tuberculosis.
- To identify the implementation gap in occupational health policy and advocate for solutions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current global and national evidence on silicosis.
- Analysis of epidemiological data from high-risk regions in India.
- Synthesis of factors contributing to the disease's persistence.
Main Results:
- Localized silicosis prevalence rates can reach 69%, often co-occurring with tuberculosis.
- An "implementation gap" in occupational health policy, weak enforcement, and diagnostic failures drive the disease.
- Inconsistent adoption of engineering controls and medical surveillance in low-resource settings.
Conclusions:
- Eliminating silicosis requires addressing the implementation gap through a rights-based accountability model.
- Mandatory digital reporting and integrating occupational health into public health strategies are crucial.
- Robust inter-ministerial coordination and legal liability for workplace safety failures are essential for eradication.
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