Relationship between cumulative silica exposure and silicosis: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Silicosis, a chronic respiratory disease caused by crystalline silica exposure, is a persistent global lung health issue. No systematic review of the relationship between cumulative respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure and silicosis exists. UK exposure limits are currently under review. We therefore performed a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of this relationship.

Methods

Web of Science, Medline and Embase were searched on 24 February 2023. Studies of radiographic, autopsy or death certificate silicosis, with an estimated average follow-up of over 20 years since first employment, were included. Cumulative silicosis risk methods were compared. The relative risks (RR) of silicosis at increasing cumulative exposures were calculated and used

SUBMITTER: Howlett P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11503121 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature