Silicosis: a disease with an active present.
Silicosis, an interstitial lung disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica powder, despite being one of the oldest occupational diseases, continues being a cause of morbidity and mortality all over the world. The World Health Organisation and the International Labour Organisation (OMS/ILO), aware of the current problem, have designed the World Programme for the Elimination of Silicosis, which includes the identification of occupational groups at risk amongst its actions. We present 3 cases of silicosis in young workers in the construction sector, with exposure to high concentrations of silica due to handling artificial silica conglomerates. The main interest of this observation lies in the identification of new risk sources, in the need to draw attention to the dangers involved in its use without prevention measures, and in the importance of the occupational history to avoid under-diagnosis.
Martínez
Cristina
C
Servicio de Neumología, Instituto Nacional de Silicosis, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Asturias, España. cmartinez@hca.es
Prieto
Amador
A
García
Laura
L
Quero
Aida
A
González
Susana
S
Casan
Pere
P
D000328:Adult; D003252:Construction Materials / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D019016:Mineral Fibers; D055613:Multiple Pulmonary Nodules / Q000737:chemistry / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D011791:Quartz / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D011859:Radiography; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012134:Respiratory Protective Devices; D012306:Risk; D012829:Silicosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control
D019016:Mineral Fibers; D011791:Quartz