Extended Investigation of Exposure to Respirable Synthetic Amorphous Silica Dust and Its Potential Impact on Non-malignant Respiratory Morbidity

Front Public Health. 2022 May 12:10:801619. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.801619. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Objectives: The present analysis aims to study the health impact of an occupational exposure to respirable synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) dusts, based on the available data from the German study.

Methods: The effect of cumulative exposure to respirable SAS dust on respiratory morbidity were investigated in 462 exposed male workers. Multiple exposure assessments was performed anchored by a most recent measurement series. Internal regression models in addition to Monte Carlo-Multi Model were fitted.

Results: An averaged cumulative respirable SAS dust concentration of 6.44 mg/m3-years was estimated. Internal regression models suggested a reduction of 8.11 ml (95% confidence interval: 0.49-15.73) in forced vital capacity (FVC) per 1 mg/m3-year increase of exposure. But no effect on forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and the ratio of the parameters FEV1/FVC was observed in association with exposure to a respirable fraction of SAS. No adverse effects on the occurrence of respiratory diseases were indicated.

Conclusion: This study provides no clear evidence of adverse health effects from occupational exposure to respirable SAS.

Sponsor: Evonik Operations GmbH/Smart Materials, Cabot Corporation, Wacker Chemie AG.

Keywords: epidemiology; lung function; modeling; occupational exposure; respirable synthetic amorphous silica.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Disease Progression
  • Dust* / analysis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Morbidity
  • Occupational Exposure* / adverse effects
  • Occupational Exposure* / analysis
  • Silicon Dioxide / adverse effects
  • Silicon Dioxide / analysis
  • Vital Capacity

Substances

  • Dust
  • Silicon Dioxide