Silicosis —lessons from Australia’s Dust Diseases Taskforce (2019–21)
The COVID-19 pandemic has masked another pandemic —a resurgence of silicosis due to respirable crystalline silica dust (RCS) exposure associated with fabricating engineered stone for modern office, kitchen and bathroom benchtops. In the last decade, multiple reports from around the world have appeared in the medical literature [1]. (Source: Occupational Medicine)
Source: Occupational Medicine - August 17, 2022 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Enzymes: new uses for old hazards
Industrial enzymes are manufactured from fungal (50%), bacterial (35%), animal and plant sources (15%); microbial sources being preferred for economic and technical reasons [1]. Since the 1960s different classes of microbial enzymes were added progressively to laundry and then to dishwashing detergents; in more recent years, enzymes have been introduced into skincare products and now consumers have ‘the first enzyme-boosted whitening toothpaste’. Such developments in consumer products provide little indication of the large-scale interest in and burgeoning of new industrial uses for enzyme technology. Principal drivers ...
Source: Occupational Medicine - August 17, 2022 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Silicosis Blues
Lyrics: Silicosis Is Killin ’ Me Words and Music by Josh White Copyright © 1936 Hornall Brothers Music Ltd. and Knollwood Music Corp. All Rights Administered by BMG Rights Management (UK) Ltd. All Rights Reserved Used by Permission Reprinted by Permission of Hal Leonard Europe Ltd.Image: Blues legend Josh White, 1962 Credit: CSU Archives/Everett Collection/Bridgeman Images (Source: Occupational Medicine)
Source: Occupational Medicine - August 17, 2022 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
The assessment of mental capacity in occupational health
Rarely there maybe a need for occupational health professionals (OHPs) to assess mental capacity such as in a worker who has dementia or brain injury but more commonly OHPs need to understand how they are conducted. (Source: Occupational Medicine)
Source: Occupational Medicine - August 17, 2022 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
‘Industrial Sublime’ - A review of the photographic exhibition and accompanying book
By Maurice Broomfield. Published by V&A Publishing, London, 2021. ISBN: 9781838510206. (Source: Occupational Medicine)
Source: Occupational Medicine - August 17, 2022 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
News from SOM and Occupational Medicine Calendar
(Source: Occupational Medicine)
Source: Occupational Medicine - August 17, 2022 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Mayo Clinic Strategies to Reduce Burnout. 12 Actions to Create the Ideal Workplace
By Stephen Swensen and Tait Shanafelt. Published by Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2020. ISBN: 9780190848965. Price: £25.49. 308 pp. (Source: Occupational Medicine)
Source: Occupational Medicine - August 17, 2022 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Free guidance on non-clinical CPD for professional practice
One of fundamental requirements for occupational health professionals (OHP) is to maintain their knowledge and skills and practice professionally recognizing the limits of their competence and keeping up to date with current practice. (Source: Occupational Medicine)
Source: Occupational Medicine - August 17, 2022 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
James Richard Barfoot, Progress of Cotton No. 4 —Carding, 1840
James Richard Barfoot, British, 1794 –1863, Progress of Cotton: #4 – Carding. Photo courtesy of Yale University Art Gallery Yale, Public domain (Source: Occupational Medicine)
Source: Occupational Medicine - August 17, 2022 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Long-term follow-up of young denim sandblasters in Turkey
ConclusionsThe prevalence of silicosis in denim sandblasters increases steadily even after exposure is discontinued. Radiological progression was observed in a higher proportion of workers than a decline in lung function. Duration of exposure was the major determinant of disease progression in our study. (Source: Occupational Medicine)
Source: Occupational Medicine - June 28, 2022 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Assessment of clinical consultations in an academic occupational medicine clinic
ConclusionsThis study provides information about the nature of clinical problems seen in an academic general occupational medicine referral clinic. The results might assist in increasing awareness and utilization of occupational medicine clinical services, which are beneficial for patient education, diagnosis and management. (Source: Occupational Medicine)
Source: Occupational Medicine - June 24, 2022 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Diagnostic challenges of radiological opacities in silicosis - case reports
SummaryOccupational exposure to crystalline silica dust in the workplace can cause lung damage (silicosis, chronic airflow limitation and lung cancer). Silicosis results from the fibrotic reaction to the deposition of inhaled crystalline silica dust in the lung tissue. Even though many coalmines and foundries have closed, crystalline silica is still widely used, making silicosis a significant public health issue. Occupational exposure to crystalline silica must be considered when diagnosing respiratory symptoms to avoid under- or misdiagnosis. The diagnosis of silicosis relies on acknowledging the causal relationship linke...
Source: Occupational Medicine - June 5, 2022 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Acceptance of skin products in healthcare workers: an empirical investigation
ConclusionsAcceptance of skin cleansing and skincare products in HCWs seems influenced by parameters such as self-assessed skin tolerance and self-reported overall satisfaction. It must be assumed that products are only used as recommended if they are well-accepted. Employers might survey employees about acceptance of products using the parameters identified to adjust concepts if necessary to sustainably contribute to the prevention of HE. (Source: Occupational Medicine)
Source: Occupational Medicine - May 31, 2022 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Non-malignant silica-related diseases in a specialized outpatient clinic
ConclusionsThe percentage of silicosis appears to be alarming, even considering the biases of selective referrals. The patients were relatively young and already had a functional impact, caused not only by silicosis but by one or more silica-related diseases. COPD, TB, and connective tissue diseases proved to be frequent, leading to the need for specifics protocols to investigate them in individuals exposed to silica. By adopting strategies to combat silicosis, the prevention of other silica-related diseases is concomitantly promoted. (Source: Occupational Medicine)
Source: Occupational Medicine - May 27, 2022 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
Unexpected case of accelerated silicosis in a female quarry worker
SummarySilicosis is a progressive and irreversible fibrotic occupational lung disease caused by inhalation of respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Recently, outbreaks have been reported in industries involving direct work with high silica-containing materials, such as artificial stone. Here, we describe an unexpected diagnosis made in an asymptomatic 33-year-old female worker employed for 4 years at a quarry for rhyodacite and rhyolite which contain 70% silicon dioxide. Chest computed tomography demonstrated small nodules in the upper lobes and larger ill-defined areas of opacity. Bronchoalveolar lavage revealed fine biref...
Source: Occupational Medicine - April 25, 2022 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research
