Early Detection Methods for Silicosis in Australia and Internationally: A Review of the Literature

Emma K. Austin, Carole James and John Tessier
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Emma K. Austin: Centre for Resources Health and Safety, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
Carole James: Centre for Resources Health and Safety, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
John Tessier: School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 15, 1-24

Abstract: Pneumoconiosis, or occupational lung disease, is one of the world’s most prevalent work-related diseases. Silicosis, a type of pneumoconiosis, is caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust. Although silicosis can be fatal, it is completely preventable. Hundreds of thousands of workers globally are at risk of being exposed to RCS at the workplace from various activities in many industries. Currently, in Australia and internationally, there are a range of methods used for the respiratory surveillance of workers exposed to RCS. These methods include health and exposure questionnaires, spirometry, chest X-rays, and HRCT. However, these methods predominantly do not detect the disease until it has significantly progressed. For this reason, there is a growing body of research investigating early detection methods for silicosis, particularly biomarkers. This literature review summarises the research to date on early detection methods for silicosis and makes recommendations for future work in this area. Findings from this review conclude that there is a critical need for an early detection method for silicosis, however, further laboratory- and field-based research is required.

Keywords: silicosis; pneumoconiosis; early detection; respiratory surveillance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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