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[Current occupational respiratory pathology in Switzerland]
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift
|February 6, 1982
Summary
Occupational respiratory diseases in Switzerland, including silicosis and asbestosis, show declining incidence but significant long-term health impacts. Key conditions observed are silicosis, asbestosis, and occupational asthma.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Industrialization and occupational exposures in Switzerland have historically led to significant respiratory diseases.
- Surveillance data from 1930-1979 provides insights into the prevalence and trends of these conditions.
Purpose:
- To summarize the main features and epidemiological characteristics of occupational industrial respiratory diseases in Switzerland.
- To document the incidence, age at diagnosis/death, and associated malignancies for silicosis and asbestosis.
Summary:
- Silicosis: 9750 cases (1930-1979), now low incidence (<100 cases/year), with diagnosis typically after 40 and death around 70.
- Asbestosis: 130 cases (1939-1979), linked to mesothelioma (30 cases), bronchial carcinoma (9 cases), and gastric cancer (1 case).
- Other significant diseases include acute toxic lung injury from irritant gases, occupational asthma, extrinsic alveolitis, and occupational chronic bronchitis.
Impact:
- Highlights the historical burden of occupational lung diseases in Switzerland.
- Informs current occupational health policies and prevention strategies.
- Underscores the long latency and severe health consequences associated with asbestos and silica exposure.