Silica, silicosis, and lung cancer: a risk assessment.
BACKGROUND
To investigate exposure-response relationships for silica, silicosis, and lung cancer.


METHODS
Quantitative review of the literature identified in a computerized literature search.


RESULTS
The risk of silicosis (ILO category 1/1 or more) following a lifetime of exposure at the current OSHA standard of 0.1 mg/m(3) is likely to be at least 5-10% and lung cancer risk is likely to be increased by 30% or more. The exposure-response relation for silicosis is nonlinear and reduction of dust exposures would have a greater than linear benefit in terms of risk reduction. Available data suggests that 30 years exposure at 0.1 mg/m(3) might lead to a lifetime silicosis risk of about 25%, whereas reduction of the exposure to 0.05 mg/m(3) might reduce the risk to under 5%.


CONCLUSIONS
The lifetime risk of silicosis and lung cancer at an exposure level of 0.1 mg/m(3) is high. Lowering exposures to the NIOSH recommended limit if 0.05 mg/m(3) may have substantial benefit.
Finkelstein
M M
MM
Occupational Health Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. murray.finkelstein@utoronto.ca
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008452:Maximum Allowable Concentration; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016272:Occupational Health; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012829:Silicosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors
D012822:Silicon Dioxide