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Occupational and Regional Patterns of Silicosis in Türkiye: A Multicenter Study
Ozlem Kar Kurt1, Bilge Akgündüz2, Abdülsamet Sandal3
1Department of Occupational Medicine, Yedikule Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|July 27, 2026
Summary
Silicosis is prevalent in Türkiye, particularly in ceramics and foundry work. High-intensity exposures lead to severe lung disease, indicating a need for better workplace safety and surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Limited national data exists on silicosis patterns beyond compensation claims.
- Understanding sector-specific and regional silicosis distribution is crucial for public health.
- Characterizing silicosis in Türkiye can inform targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize silicosis patterns in Türkiye.
- To identify factors associated with silicosis severity.
- To evaluate the distribution of silicosis by workplace and birthplace.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study of 1,393 patients diagnosed between 2020-2025.
- Analysis of demographics, occupational history, referral pathways, and radiological findings.
- Multivariable logistic regression used to identify predictors of advanced disease.
Main Results:
- Predominantly male patients (99.2%) with a median age of 47.
- Ceramics (36.8%) was the most common sector, followed by foundry and denim-sandblasting.
- High-intensity exposures correlated with more severe disease, and age and sector predicted severity.
Conclusions:
- A significant burden of advanced silicosis exists in Türkiye.
- Regional clustering suggests gaps in preventive surveillance.
- Strengthened exposure control measures are urgently needed.
