title: Evaluation of workplace exposure to respirable crystalline silica in Italy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Crystalline silica is a human carcinogen and its use is widespread among construction, mining, foundries, and other manufacturing industries.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate occupational exposure to crystalline silica in Italy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected from exposure registries and descriptive statistics were calculated for exposure-related variables. The number of potentially exposed workers was estimated in a subset of industrial sectors. Linear mixed model analysis was performed to determine factors affecting the exposure level.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found 1387 cases of crystalline silica exposure between 1996 and 2012. Exposure was most common in construction work (AM = 0·057 mg/m(3), N = 505), and among miners and quarry workers (AM = 0·048 mg/m(3), N = 238). We estimated that 41 643 workers were at risk of exposure in the selected industrial sectors during the same period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study identified high-risk sectors for occupational exposure to crystalline silica, which can help guide targeted dust control interventions and health promotion campaigns in the workplace.
authors: Alberto
authors: A
authors: Scarselli
authors: Marisa
authors: M
authors: Corfiati
authors: Davide Di
authors: DD
authors: Marzio
authors: Sergio
authors: S
authors: Iavicoli
mesh_terms: D060389:Construction Industry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008906:Mining / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015233:Models, Statistical; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012042:Registries; D012307:Risk Factors; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D012822:Silicon Dioxide
keywords: Crystalline silica,; Exposure assessment,; Inhalation,; Italy; Occupational health,