Respirable Dust and Silica: Respiratory Diseases among Swedish Iron Foundry Workers

Abstract

Objective The mortality and morbidity pattern for respiratory diseases was determined in a cohort of 1752 Swedish foundry workers, particularly for respirable silica dust exposure. Methods The morbidity follow-up in the Swedish National Non-primary Outpatient Register covered 2001 to 2017 (NPR; specialist not in care patients), the mortality from the National Causes of Death Register covered 2001 to 2017. Cumulative exposures to silica and dust were determined. Results The morbidity in COPD showed significantly increased risk for all exposure groups, as did silicosis in the high exposure group, these cases corresponded to silica exposure levels below 0.05 mg/m3. The mortality of all causes and respiratory diseases was significantly increased by cumulative silica exposure in the high exposure group. Conclusions Significantly increased morbidity for respiratory diseases and COPD was determined at silica exposure levels below the current Swedish OEL.