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Early Detection Methods for Silicosis in Australia and Internationally: A Review of the Literature

Author

Listed:
  • Emma K. Austin

    (Centre for Resources Health and Safety, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia)

  • Carole James

    (Centre for Resources Health and Safety, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
    School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia)

  • John Tessier

    (School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia)

Abstract

Pneumoconiosis, or occupational lung disease, is one of the world’s most prevalent work-related diseases. Silicosis, a type of pneumoconiosis, is caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust. Although silicosis can be fatal, it is completely preventable. Hundreds of thousands of workers globally are at risk of being exposed to RCS at the workplace from various activities in many industries. Currently, in Australia and internationally, there are a range of methods used for the respiratory surveillance of workers exposed to RCS. These methods include health and exposure questionnaires, spirometry, chest X-rays, and HRCT. However, these methods predominantly do not detect the disease until it has significantly progressed. For this reason, there is a growing body of research investigating early detection methods for silicosis, particularly biomarkers. This literature review summarises the research to date on early detection methods for silicosis and makes recommendations for future work in this area. Findings from this review conclude that there is a critical need for an early detection method for silicosis, however, further laboratory- and field-based research is required.

Suggested Citation

  • Emma K. Austin & Carole James & John Tessier, 2021. "Early Detection Methods for Silicosis in Australia and Internationally: A Review of the Literature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-24, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:15:p:8123-:d:606024
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    Cited by:

    1. Dingani Moyo & Ronald Ncube & Fungai Kavenga & Lilian Chikwava & Tawanda Mapuranga & Nathan Chiboyiwa & Chipo Chimunhu & Frank Mudzingwa & Orippa Muzvidziwa & Petronella Ncube & Tariro Christwish Mand, 2022. "The Triple Burden of Tuberculosis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Silicosis among Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners in Zimbabwe," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-14, October.
    2. Dingani Moyo & Fungai Kavenga & Florence Moyo & Orippa Muzvidziwa & Godknows Madziva & Blessings Chigaraza & Mpokiseng Ncube & Precious Madadangoma & Hellen Masvingo & Tafadzwa Charity Muperi & Tariro, 2024. "Health Screening Strategies for Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners for Tuberculosis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Silicosis: A Case of the USAID-Supported Kunda Nqob’iTB Project in Zimbabwe," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(1), pages 1-11, January.
    3. Sholpan Koigeldinova & Alexey Alexeyev & Zhengisbek Zharylkassyn & Yertay Otarov & Bauyrzhan Omarkulov & Magzhan Tilemissov & Chingiz Ismailov, 2022. "Immune Status of Workers with Professional Risk of Being Affected by Chrysotile Asbestos in Kazakhstan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-8, November.

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