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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
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Whole-Body Nanoparticle Aerosol Inhalation Exposures
Published on: May 7, 2013
Occupational particle exposure and diabetes: a cohort study in Swedish construction workers
Karl Kilbo Edlund1,2, Erik Sand3, Martin Andersson4
1Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden. karl.kilbo.edlund@gu.se.
Summary
Occupational exposure to cement, concrete, and quartz dust increases type 2 diabetes risk in construction workers. This study highlights the need for protective measures in dusty work environments to prevent diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Epidemiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a significant global health issue.
- Airborne particle exposure is a potential risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
- Limited research exists on occupational particle exposure and diabetes in workers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between occupational inorganic particle exposure and new-onset type 2 diabetes.
- To quantify this risk specifically within a cohort of Swedish construction workers.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study using the Swedish Construction Workers' Cohort (1971-1993).
- Exposure assessment via a job-exposure matrix.
- Incident type 2 diabetes cases identified using national health registers.
- Analysis employed multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models.
Main Results:
- Included 275,941 male workers with a mean follow-up of 31 years.
- High exposure to cement, concrete, and quartz dust was linked to increased type 2 diabetes risk.
- The strongest association was observed for high cement dust exposure (aHR 1.12, 95% CI 1.02–1.24).
Conclusions:
- High occupational exposure to cement, concrete, and quartz dust is associated with a moderately increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Findings emphasize the importance of controlling dust exposure in construction settings to mitigate diabetes risk.
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