Evaluation of workplace exposure to respirable crystalline silica in Italy

Abstract

Background:Crystalline silica is a human carcinogen and its use is widespread among construction, mining, foundries, and other manufacturing industries.Purpose:To evaluate occupational exposure to crystalline silica in Italy.Methods:Data were collected from exposure registries and descriptive statistics were calculated for exposure-related variables. The number of potentially exposed workers was estimated in a subset of industrial sectors. Linear mixed model analysis was performed to determine factors affecting the exposure level.Results:We found 1387 cases of crystalline silica exposure between 1996 and 2012. Exposure was most common in construction work (AM = 0·057 mg/m3, N = 505), and among miners and quarry workers (AM = 0·048 mg/m3, N = 238). We estimated that 41 643 workers were at risk of exposure in the selected industrial sectors during the same period.Conclusions:This study identified high-risk sectors for occupational exposure to crystalline silica, which can help guide targeted dust control interventions and health promotion campaigns in the workplace.