2017/05/17 by Tamires Patrícia Souza, Guilherme Watte, Alaíde M. Gusso +3 · 1 citation
Medicine · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Environmental Science · #Occupational and environmental lung diseases #Silicon Effects in Agriculture #Arsenic contamination and mitigation
paper · doi:10.1002/ajim.22719
openalex publication_date 2017/05/17 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/22
BACKGROUND: Underground mining generates large amounts of dust and exposes workers to silica. This study aims to determine the prevalence and predictor factors for the development of silicosis among semi-precious-stone mineworkers in southern Brazil working in a self-administered cooperative. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study of 348 current workers and retirees, demographic data, medical, and occupational history were collected through an interview performed by a nurse and medical record review. Risk factor associations were studied by Poisson multivariate regression. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of silicosis was 37%, while in current miners it was 28%. Several risk factors for silicosis were identified in the univariate analysis. Inadequate ventilation in the underground galleries combined with dry drilling, duration of silica exposure, and (inversely) education remained significant in the multivariate analysis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study is unusual in studying semi-precious stone mineworkers in a self-administered worker cooperative with limited resources. The prevalence of silicosis was very high. A number of recommendations are made-including technical support for worker cooperatives, surveillance of silica exposure and silicosis, exposure reduction measures, and benefits allowing impaired miners to leave the industry.