| Document ID (ISN) | 77311 |
| CIS number |
01-1461 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
0271-3586 - American Journal of Industrial Medicine |
| Year |
2000 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Finkelstein M.M. |
| Title |
Silica, silicosis, and lung cancer: A risk assessment |
| Bibliographic information |
July 2000, Vol.38, No.1, p.8-18. 26 ref. |
| Abstract |
To investigate exposure-response relationships for silica, silicosis and lung cancer, a quantitative review of the literature identified in a computerized literature search was carried out. The findings of the most significant studies are that the risk of silicosis following a lifetime of exposure at the current OSHA standard of 0.1mg/m3 is likely to be at least 5-10% and lung cancer risk is likely to be increased by 30% or more. The exposure-response relationship for silicosis is nonlinear and reduction of dust exposures would have a greater than linear benefit in terms of risk reduction; available data suggests that 30 years exposure at 0.1mg/m3 might lead to a lifetime silicosis risk of about 25%, whereas reduction of the exposure to 0.05mg/m3 might reduce the risk to under 5%. In conclusion, the lifetime risk of silicosis and lung cancer at an exposure level of 0.1mg/m3 is high. Lowering exposures to the NIOSH recommended limit if 0.05mg/m3 may have substantial benefits. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
silica; lung cancer; long-term exposure; hazard evaluation; silicosis |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
literature survey; dose-response relationship; respirable dust |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Country / State or Province | Canada |
| Subject(s) |
Dust, aerosols and related diseases
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Chemical safety
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Diseases of the respiratory system (except for pneumoconiosis & similar)
Risk evaluation
Pneumoconioses
|
