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

Abstract #116598

Loretta D. Schuman, PhD, MS, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Room N-3718, Washington, DC 20210, 202-693-2290, schuman.loretta@dol.gov

Over 2 million workers are exposed to crystalline silica in general, construction and maritime industries such as foundries, industries that have abrasive blasting operations, paint manufacture, glass and concrete product manufacture, brick-making, china and pottery manufacture, manufacture of plumbing fixtures, and many construction activities including highway repair, masonry, concrete work, rock drilling, and tuckpointing. The seriousness of the health hazards associated with silica exposure is demonstrated by the fatalities and disabling illnesses that continue to occur. Currently, 200 to 300 deaths per year are known to occur where silicosis is identified on death certificates as an underlying or contributing cause. Many cases are no doubt unascertained. In addition, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has designated crystalline silica as a human carcinogen. Exposure has also been associated with renal and autoimmune diseases. OSHA has addressed this problem through a variety of non-regulatory approaches, including initiation of a Special Emphasis Program and dissemination of guidance information on its Web site. OSHA is considering a range of regulatory options to address the hazards of crystalline silica. An update of recent OSHA activities on crystalline silica will be provided.

Learning Objectives:

• List the industries and occupations where crystalline silica exposure occurs.
• Describe the diseases caused by crystalline silica exposure.
• Articulate recent OSHA activities on crystalline silica.

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.