Tamires P Souza1, Guilherme Watte1, Alaíde M Gusso2, Rafaela Souza3, José da S Moreira1, Marli M Knorst1,2,4. 1. Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Graduate Program in Pulmonology, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. 2. School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. 3. Federal University of Santa Maria, Public Health Residency Program, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. 4. Department of Pulmonology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Underground mining generates large amounts of dust and exposes workers to silica. This study aims to determine the prevalence and predictor factors for the development of silicosis among semi-precious-stone mineworkers in southern Brazil working in a self-administered cooperative. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study of 348 current workers and retirees, demographic data, medical, and occupational history were collected through an interview performed by a nurse and medical record review. Risk factor associations were studied by Poisson multivariate regression. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of silicosis was 37%, while in current miners it was 28%. Several risk factors for silicosis were identified in the univariate analysis. Inadequate ventilation in the underground galleries combined with dry drilling, duration of silica exposure, and (inversely) education remained significant in the multivariate analysis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study is unusual in studying semi-precious stone mineworkers in a self-administered worker cooperative with limited resources. The prevalence of silicosis was very high. A number of recommendations are made-including technical support for worker cooperatives, surveillance of silica exposure and silicosis, exposure reduction measures, and benefits allowing impaired miners to leave the industry.
BACKGROUND: Underground mining generates large amounts of dust and exposes workers to silica. This study aims to determine the prevalence and predictor factors for the development of silicosis among semi-precious-stone mineworkers in southern Brazil working in a self-administered cooperative. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study of 348 current workers and retirees, demographic data, medical, and occupational history were collected through an interview performed by a nurse and medical record review. Risk factor associations were studied by Poisson multivariate regression. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of silicosis was 37%, while in current miners it was 28%. Several risk factors for silicosis were identified in the univariate analysis. Inadequate ventilation in the underground galleries combined with dry drilling, duration of silica exposure, and (inversely) education remained significant in the multivariate analysis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study is unusual in studying semi-precious stone mineworkers in a self-administered worker cooperative with limited resources. The prevalence of silicosis was very high. A number of recommendations are made-including technical support for worker cooperatives, surveillance of silica exposure and silicosis, exposure reduction measures, and benefits allowing impaired miners to leave the industry.
Authors: Ryan F Hoy; Mohamed F Jeebhay; Catherine Cavalin; Weihong Chen; Robert A Cohen; Elizabeth Fireman; Leonard H T Go; Antonio León-Jiménez; Alfredo Menéndez-Navarro; Marcos Ribeiro; Paul-André Rosental Journal: Respirology Date: 2022-03-18 Impact factor: 6.175