An epidemic of silicosis among former denim-sandblasters

¹ Dept of Chest Diseases, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
² Dept of Chest Diseases, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
³ Dept of Chest Surgery, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
⁴ Dept of Radiology, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
⁵ Dept of Chest Diseases, 18 Mart University, Canakkale, Turkey
⁶ Dept of Public Health, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: akgunm{at}gmail.com.

	Abstract

Sandblasting denims using silica has emerged as a new cause of silicosis in Turkey. Following the discovery of several cases of silicosis in (young) workers who had done this, the frequency and main occupational risk factors of silicosis among former denim-sandblasters in the region of Erzurum were evaluated.

Demographic characteristics and information on working conditions were obtained by questionnaire and interview; spirometry was done, and chest x-rays were evaluated according to ILO classification of pneumoconioses in 157 former denim-sandblasters.

They were all males with a mean age of 23 y (range 15–44 y). They had worked for a mean of 36 months (range 1–120 months), starting at a mean age of 17 y (range 10–38 y). Most subjects (83%) had respiratory symptoms, especially dyspnoea (52%), but also chest pain (46%). Radiological evidence of silicosis (ILO score 1/0 or higher) was present in 77 subjects (53% of 145 subjects with interpretable chest x-ray). These subjects had lower FEV₁ and FVC. The risk of silicosis correlated with seniority working as a foreman, exposure duration and number of workplaces.

Considering the high prevalence rate of silicosis in such workplaces, further problems are inevitable in the future unless effective measures are taken.