Diagnosis of severe silicosis in young adults working in stone polishing and mining in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
This study describes the occurrence of silicosis in a group of stone polishing and/or mining workers who began working under the age of 18, the minimum age in Brazil for working in hazardous or unhealthy conditions. The design is that of a case series with medical follow up via a surveillance program that included medical and occupational histories, chest radiography interpreted according to International Labour Organization (ILO) Classification, and spirometry. The findings call attention to the importance of the problem of silicosis, which persists in the region despite new production technologies, legal requirements, and initiatives to protect workers. Silicosis is a public health problem that must be addressed by the implementation of public policies to improve working conditions and ensure children and teenagers are kept away from hazardous work. While Brazil has started to be a part of the global effort to eliminate silicosis and the worst forms of child labor, there are still problems that must be addressed.
Chiavegatto
Claudia Vasques
CV
Departamento de Medicina Preventiva e Social de Minas Gerais (Social and Preventive Medicine Department), Universidade Federal (Federal University of Minas Gerais), Belo Horizonte, Brazil. cauvasques@yahoo.com.br
Carneiro
Ana Paula Scalia
AP
Dias
Elizabeth Costa
EC
Nascimento
Marcela Sousa
MS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000633:toxicity*; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D004391:Dust; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008906:Mining; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012829:Silicosis / Q000209:etiology*; D012907:Smoking; D055815:Young Adult
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D004391:Dust