scholarly journals Multiorgan accelerated silicosis misdiagnosed as sarcoidosis in two workers exposed to quartz conglomerate dust

2018 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 178-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriella Guarnieri ◽  
Rosana Bizzotto ◽  
Ottorino Gottardo ◽  
Emanuela Velo ◽  
Mauro Cassaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Threshold Limit Value ◽  
Silica Content ◽  
Crystalline Silica ◽  
Hepatic Tissue ◽  
Limit Value ◽  
High Silica ◽  
Hepatic Granulomas ◽  
Respirable Silica ◽  
Artificial Stone ◽  
High Level

IntroductionClusters of silicosis cases have been reported in the fabrication of quartz conglomerate, a new high-silica-content artificial stone for kitchen and bathroom benchtops (countertops).AimWe describe two cases of accelerated-type silicosis with hepatic granulomas arising in workers exposed to artificial quartz conglomerates.MethodsA confident diagnosis of multiorgan silicosis was based on high level of respirable silica in the workplace, typical radiological alterations in chest high-resolution CT, histological findings in the lung and liver, and detection of silica crystals in both tissues by phase-contrast polarising light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy.ResultsThe development of the disease <10 years after the first exposure is consistent with an accelerated-type of silicosis. Compared with other studies related to quartz conglomerate exposure, we determined that the levels of airborne crystalline silica during activity in the finishing area were between 0.260 and 0.744 mg/m3, that is, much higher than the threshold limit value according to American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (0.025 mg/m3). Moreover, liver granulomas were associated with accumulation of crystalline silica particles in the hepatic tissue.ConclusionsQuartz conglomerate fabrication is a potentially dangerous occupation. General practitioners and physicians should have awareness of this newly described occupational hazard. Accurate occupational history is critical in avoiding misdiagnosis, as silicosis caused by inhalation of dust from artificial quartz conglomerates may exhibit atypical presentation. These features seem to be related to the extremely high level of silica exposure and, possibly, to an increased toxicity of the dust generated in this process.

scholarly journals Artificial Stone Associated Silicosis: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 568 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veruscka Leso ◽  
Luca Fontana ◽  
Rosaria Romano ◽  
Paola Gervetti ◽  
Ivo Iavicoli
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Silica Content ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Specific Work ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Silica Exposure ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
High Silica ◽  
Artificial Stone ◽  
Fibrotic Lung Disease

Silicosis is a progressive fibrotic lung disease that is caused by the inhalation of respirable crystalline silica. Due to its high silica content, artificial stone (AS) can become a possible source of hazardous dust exposure for workers that are employed in the manufacturing, finishing, and installing of AS countertops. Therefore, the aim of this review was to verify the association between AS derived silica exposure and silicosis development, and also then define the pathological characteristics of the disease in relation to specific work practices and preventive and protective measures that were adopted in the workplace. A systematic review of articles available on Pubmed, Scopus, and Isi Web of Knowledge databases was performed. Although the characteristics of AS-associated silicosis were comparable to those that were reported for the disease in traditional silica exposure settings, some critical issues emerged concerning the general lack of suitable strategies for assessing/managing silica risks in these innovative occupational fields. Further research that is designed to assess the hazardous properties of AS dusts, levels of exposure in workplaces, and the effectiveness of protective equipment appears to be needed to increase awareness concerning AS risks and induce employers, employees, and all factory figures that are engaged in prevention to take action to define/adopt proper measures to protect the health of exposed workers.

scholarly journals Exposure to Respirable Dust and Crystalline Silica in a Cement Plant

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasan Gharavandi ◽  
Morteza Nasori ◽  
Mahdieh Ghobadi ◽  
Mostafa Besharatipur ◽  
Mehdi Jabari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size Calculation ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Threshold Limit Value ◽  
Crystalline Silica ◽  
Cement Industry ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Respirable Dust ◽  
Cement Plant ◽  
Visible Absorption ◽  
Limit Value

Background: People working in industrial environments may be exposed to respirable dust. Crystalline silica dust is known as a respiratory risk. The cement industry is among the most important manufacturing industries whose workers are exposed to dust. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate workers' exposure to respirable dust and crystalline silica in a cement plant. Methods: According to a sample size calculation formula, 50 dust samples were collected from workers’ respiratory zones in different parts of the plant. Respirable dust concentrations exposed were calculated using NIOSH-0600 method. Concentrations of crystalline silica in dust samples were determined according to NIOSH-7601 method and using visible absorption spectrophotometry. Results: The highest time weighted average of respirable dust concentration (6.12 mg/m3) was obtained in crusher unit. The minimum and maximum concentrations of respirable dust were 1.6 mg/m3 and 12.1 mg/m3, respectively. The highest concentration of crystalline silica (0.044 mg/m3) was obtained in raw material grinding unit. The minimum and maximum concentrations of crystalline silica were obtained in cement grinding unit and packaging and loading unit (0.001 mg/m3 and 0.16 mg/m3), respectively. Conclusion: The concentrations of respirable crystalline silica and dust in most units are higher than the threshold limit value which has the potential to harm workers in these units.

EXPERIMENTAL SUBSTANTIATION OF THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE CONCENTRATION OF DIOCTYL TEREPHTHALATE IN THE AIR OF THE WORKING AREA

2020 ◽  
pp. 34-38
Author(s):  
A. S. Radilov ◽  
S. A. Solntseva ◽  
I. E. Shkaeva ◽  
S. A. Dulov ◽  
E. V. Vivulanets ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Functional State ◽  
Hematological Parameters ◽  
Inhalation Exposure ◽  
Threshold Limit Value ◽  
Maximum Allowable Concentration ◽  
Limit Value ◽  
Threshold Limit ◽  
The Central Nervous System

Toxicity and hazard assessment of dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP) was performed in acute, subacute, and chronic experiments, and its principal toxicometry parameters were determined.It was found that on single exposure DOTP exhibits low toxicity and hazard. No resorptive and irritant effects on skin and mucous membrane of eyes were detected in animal experiments. The single inhalation exposure threshold limit value was set at 300 mg/m3, based on the results of monitoring of the functional state of the central nervous system and myocardium and hematological parameters.Thirty-day subacute experiments (oral administration, inhalation exposure, and skin applications) revealed no accumulation of the compound.Four-month chronic exposure to DOTP aerosols (concentration 96,8 mg/m3) caused disorder of the functional state of the central nervous system and myocardium, changes in the hematological and biochemical parameters, gas and acid-base status of the blood, and morphological changes in the lungs and heart. Embryotoxic, genotoxic and gonadotoxic effects were not detected.The chronic inhalation exposure threshold limit value for DOTP (Limch) was set at 18,6 mg/m3, and the concentration of 3,4 mg/m3 was found to be ineffective.The maximum allowable concentration of DOTP in the air of the working area was set at 3,0 mg/m3, hazard class 3.

scholarly journals The Physical and Chemical Air Quality, Worker’s Characteristics, and Respiratory Symptoms Among Printing Workers in Surabaya

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 195
Author(s):  
Devi Anggar Oktaviani ◽  
Corie Indria Prasasti
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Threshold Limit Value ◽  
Dust Collector ◽  
Printing Industry ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Administrative Control ◽  
Limit Value ◽  
Control Application ◽  
Physical And Chemical

Abstract: Printing industry is an industry which in its production process generate air pollutants such as Particulate Matter (PM). The exceeds limit of PM2,5 can cause respiratory symptoms, cardiovascular disease, and pulmonary function disorder. The objective of this study was to analyze physical and chemical air quality and respiratory symptoms among printing industry workers in Surabaya. It was observational study with cross sectional approach and analyzed descriptively. The physical and chemical air quality was measured by Thermohygrometer and Haz Dust EPAM 5000 at three different areas in production unit. Worker’s characteristics and respiratory symptoms were obtained from 20 respondent’s questionnaires. The highest concentration of PM2,5 level was at cutting room (area 1), which maximum concentration was 20.0 μg/m3 and the average was 6.1 μg/m3. The result showed that PM2,5 levels was below threshold limit value. It is suggested to printing industry to improve administrative control application by managing work period and useing mask, to clean ventilation, dust collector, or production facilities and to examine health status regularly to public health center for workers at printing industry.Keywords: physical and chemical air quality, printing industry, respiratory symptoms

scholarly journals Analysis The Level Of PM2,5 And Lung Function Of Organic Fertilizer Industry Workers In Nganjuk

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 141
Author(s):  
Imfatul Tria Nur Azizah
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Organic Fertilizer ◽  
Threshold Limit Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Fertilizer Industry ◽  
Limit Value ◽  
Function Impairment ◽  
Packing Process ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
Lung Function Impairment

Organic fertilizer industry in Nganjuk uses manure as basic materials of production. Its process produced particulate matter 2,5 (PM2,5) in the form of dust and smoke. PM2,5 can be inhaled and be retained until alveoli, so it is potentially caused lung function impairment to the workers. The objective of this research was to analyzed the level of PM2,5 and lung function of organic fertilizer industry workers in Nganjuk. The type of this research was observasional descriptive quantitative with cross sectional design. The research sample was using total population of 10 production workers. The result of this research showed that the level of PM2,5 inhaled which exceeded Threshold Limit Value (TLV) or > 3 mg/m3 were on 2 workers who worked on drying and packing process. The average of PM2,5  environment level which exceeded TLV were on manufacturing of granuls, heating and packing process area. Workers who had lung function impairment were 4 workers (40%). Lung function impairment more likely found in workers with exposure of PM2,5 inhaled≤ 3 mg/m3, has age 41 – 60 years, worked period < 5 years, always using cloth as respiratory protective equipment, and had worked in the other places either direct or indirect exposure of dust. The conclusion of this research is production workers of organic fertilizer industry in Nganjuk has risk of lung function impairment. Suggestions for the owner of organic fertilizer industry in Nganjuk are to install natural and unnatural ventilations and to provide air purifying respirators.

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