title: Silica exposure and silicosis in Alberta, Canada.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study potential exposures to crystalline silica and the number of work-related cases of silicosis occurring in Alberta.
  
  
  METHODS
  Exposure data comprising 343 occupational samples were collected at 40 worksites across 13 industries. To assess silicosis reporting, cases reported to the Alberta government, claims accepted by the Workers' Compensation Board for work-related silicosis, and billings to Alberta Health for medical services with a diagnostic code for silicosis during a similar time period were compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Workers potentially over-exposed to airborne respirable crystalline silica were identified at most of the worksites evaluated. There were large discrepancies in the number of silicosis cases found.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many Alberta workers may be over-exposed to airborne respirable crystalline silica, and the incidence of work-related silicosis in Alberta may not be adequately represented by the official statistics.
authors.affiliation: From the Workers' Compensation Board of Alberta (Dr Lappi), Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; and OHS Policy and Program Development Branch (Ms Radnoff and Dr Karpluk), Safe, Fair and Healthy Workplaces, Alberta Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Vernon G
authors.initials: VG
authors.lastname: Lappi
authors.forename: Diane L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Radnoff
authors.forename: Phil F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Karpluk
mesh_terms: D000416:Alberta; D059366:Asthma, Occupational / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004608:Eligibility Determination / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012134:Respiratory Protective Devices; D012829:Silicosis / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014942:Workers' Compensation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence