Trends and perspectives of the biological prophylaxis of silicosis

Abstract

Based on earlier paper in this journal, as well as on new data concerning factors predetermining individual susceptibility to silicosis, we propose a comprehensive system of recommendations aimed at increasing the working population's resistance against the harmful action of silica dust. These recommendations consider, on one hand, the criteria of possible selection for employment in dusty industries of individuals who do not possess characteristics making them especially sensitive to this harmful action (collective biological prophylaxis), and on the other hand, the influences that could diminish such sensitivity (individual biological prophylaxis). Some ethical and practical problems of the biological prophylaxis of occupational diseases and a mathematical approach to predicting its effectiveness are also discussed.