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Silica, silicosis, and lung cancer: a risk assessment
- Source :
- American journal of industrial medicine. 38(1)
- Publication Year :
- 2000
-
Abstract
- To investigate exposure-response relationships for silica, silicosis, and lung cancer.Quantitative review of the literature identified in a computerized literature search.The risk of silicosis (ILO category 1/1 or more) following a lifetime of exposure at the current OSHA standard of 0.1 mg/m(3) is likely to be at least 5-10% and lung cancer risk is likely to be increased by 30% or more. The exposure-response relation 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 0.1 mg/m(3) might lead to a lifetime silicosis risk of about 25%, whereas reduction of the exposure to 0.05 mg/m(3) might reduce the risk to under 5%.The lifetime risk of silicosis and lung cancer at an exposure level of 0.1 mg/m(3) is high. Lowering exposures to the NIOSH recommended limit if 0.05 mg/m(3) may have substantial benefit.
Details
- ISSN :
- 02713586
- Volume :
- 38
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- American journal of industrial medicine
- Accession number :
- edsair.pmid..........6ca376ce623e5b737e492ba13f1a5dac