title: Artificial stone dust-induced functional and inflammatory abnormalities in exposed workers monitored quantitatively by biometrics.
abstract: The manufacture of kitchen and bath countertops in Israel is based mainly on artificial stone that contains 93% silica as natural quartz, and ∼3500 workers are involved in cutting and processing it. Artificial stone produces high concentrations of silica dust. Exposure to crystalline silica may cause silicosis, an irreversible lung disease. Our aim was to screen exposed workers by quantitative biometric monitoring of functional and inflammatory parameters. 68 exposed artificial stone workers were compared to 48 nonexposed individuals (controls). Exposed workers filled in questionnaires, and all participants underwent pulmonary function tests and induced sputum analyses. Silica was quantitated by a Niton XL3 X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Pulmonary function test results of exposed workers were significantly lower and induced sputa showed significantly higher neutrophilic inflammation compared to controls; both processes were slowed down by the use of protective measures in the workplace. Particle size distribution in induced sputum samples of exposed workers was similar to that of artificial stone dust, which contained aluminium, zirconium and titanium in addition to silica. In conclusion, the quantitation of biometric parameters is useful for monitoring workers exposed to artificial stone in order to avoid deterioration over time.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Pulmonary and Allergic Diseases, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
authors.forename: Noa
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ophir
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Pulmonary and Allergic Diseases, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
authors.forename: Amir Bar
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Shai
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Pulmonary and Allergic Diseases, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
authors.forename: Yifat
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Alkalay
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Pulmonary and Allergic Diseases, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
authors.forename: Shani
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Israeli
authors.affiliation: Physiology-Pharmacology Dept, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
authors.forename: Rafi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Korenstein
authors.affiliation: Institute of Pulmonary Diseases, Rabin Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
authors.forename: Mordechai R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Kramer
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Pulmonary and Allergic Diseases, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fireman