Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #109789

David Valiante, MS, CIH, Occupational Health Services, NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, P.O. Box 360, Trenton, NJ 08625, (609) 984-9442, david.valiante@doh.state.nj.us

Surveillance of silicosis in New Jersey has identified an emerging public health concern linking silicosis and the fast-growing highway repair industry. Highway construction trends, silicosis surveillance case data, and environmental exposure data identify a risk of silicosis in highway repair operations. Silicosis case data pertaining to the construction industry from three states with silicosis registries were reviewed and highway repair worksite environmental monitoring for silica was conducted. The findings indicate that highway construction workers are at risk of developing silicosis from exposure to crystalline silica in this industry. Prevention activity in areas such as exposure control methods, medical screening, protective health standards, and safety-related contract language is necessary in preventing future occupational disease problems in this industry.

Learning Objectives:

• To learn the prevalence of silicosis among roadway workers
• To understand the importance of prevention activities.

Keywords: Occupational Disease, Public Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.