The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #62803

Nancy L. Fleischer, BS, BA¹, Florence Reinisch, MPH², Jennifer Cavallari, BS³, Peter Scholz, MPH, CIH², Robert Harrison, MD, MPH², and Barbara L. Materna, PhD, CIH². (1) California Department of Health Services, Occupational Health Branch, Public Health Institute, 1515 Clay St, Suite 1901, Oakland, CA 94612, (2) Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Health Services, 1515 Clay Street, Suite 1901, Oakland, CA 94612, (3) Harvard School of Public Health, 50 Stedman Street, Brookline, MA 02446

Under a cooperative agreement from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, the California Department of Health Services conducts statewide surveillance of occupational silicosis. Silicosis is a progressive lung disease caused by exposure to respirable silica particles that can cause scar tissue to develop in the lungs. No prior study has characterized the occupational histories of California silicosis cases. We utilize hospital data, Workers’ Compensation Information System claims, death records, and reports from pulmonologists to identify silicosis cases in California. Upon ascertainment we interview the cases to characterize occupational silica exposure. We verify cases through medical records and X-ray interpretation by a certified “B” reader. Using hospital and Workers’ Compensation reports only, we have identified 189 cases diagnosed with silicosis from 1/2000 to 6/2002. Of the interviewed cases with occupational silica exposure, 82% were males over 60 years old. Five industry groups comprised 62% of all silica exposures: mining and quarrying of nonmetallic minerals (20%), metal mining (11%), primary metal industries (11%), manufacturing of stone, clay, glass and concrete products (10%), and special trade contractors in construction (10%). The most common occupations held by exposed workers were operating engineers (9%), mining machine operators (6%), and welders and cutters (6%).

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to: (
• describe surveillance techniques for ascertaining silicosis cases; (
• recognize that respirable silica exposure can cause silicosis, a disabling lung disease; and (
• identify industries and occupations associated with high rates of silicosis cases in California.

Keywords: Occupational Surveillance, Risk Factors

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.