Effects of the Silica Dust on the Nasal Mucosa of Ceramic Workers

Elona Begvarfaj (), Emilio Greco, Arturo Armone Caruso, Simonetta Masieri, Andrea Ciofalo, Carmelita Velardita and Carlo Cavaliere
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Elona Begvarfaj: Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
Emilio Greco: Department of Research, Link Campus University, 00165 Rome, Italy
Arturo Armone Caruso: ENT Department, AIAS, Afragola, 80021 Naples, Italy
Simonetta Masieri: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
Andrea Ciofalo: Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
Carmelita Velardita: Unità Locale Socio Sanitaria (ULSS) 2, Marca Trevigiana, 31015 Treviso, Italy
Carlo Cavaliere: Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 19, 1-10

Abstract: Background. Adverse health effects due to occupational exposures are a global public health concern and have been studied for many years. Ceramic workers are occupationally exposed to a wide range of toxic substances as they manage clay (silico-aluminous feldspar mixed with sodium, potassium salts and iron oxide). The objective of this study was to assess the presence of any inflammation or alteration of the nasal mucosa of ceramic workers by nasal cytology. Materials and methods. Twenty-eight ceramic workers from Caltagirone (Italy) were enrolled. Nasal symptoms, atopy, health habits and workplace features were assessed by a special questionnaire, and nasal mucosa health was evaluated by nasal cytology. Results. The cytological study of the nasal mucosa revealed the constant presence of abundant, thick and filamentous mucus, as well as a reorganization of the nasal cellularity with a prevalence of muciparous hyperplasia and metaplasia in the study group, and only in a lesser extent for the subjects with some protective environmental measures. Conclusions. The ceramic workers showed chronic inflammatory rhinitis on nasal cytology, with a remodelling of the nasal mucosa and thick mucus. Nasal cytology may be a helpful tool either for the health surveillance of the ceramic workers, or for the screening of any pathology of the upper airways.

Keywords: nasal cytology; ceramic workers; silicosis; upper airways; inflammation; occupational rhinitis; occupational health; quality of life; social health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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