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. 2020 Jun;63(6):465-477.
doi: 10.1002/ajim.23109. Epub 2020 Apr 9.

Estimation of the number of workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica by industry: Analysis of OSHA compliance data (1979-2015)

Brent C Doney  1 , William E Miller  1 , Janet M Hale  1 , Girija Syamlal  1
Affiliations

Estimation of the number of workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica by industry: Analysis of OSHA compliance data (1979-2015)

Brent C Doney et al. Am J Ind Med. 2020 Jun.

Erratum in

  • Corrigendum.
    [No authors listed] [No authors listed] Am J Ind Med. 2020 Nov;63(11):1062. doi: 10.1002/ajim.23179. Epub 2020 Sep 14. Am J Ind Med. 2020. PMID: 33029870 No abstract available.

Abstract

Background: Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) can potentially cause silicosis, lung cancer, and renal failure. The current study estimates the percentages of workers potentially overexposed to concentrations of RCS dust and silicosis proportional mortality rates (PMRs) by industry.

Methods: Occupational Safety and Health Administration compliance inspection sampling data for RCS collected during 1979 to 2015 were used to estimate percentages of workers exposed. The results were used in combination with US Census Bureau estimates to produce industry specific worker population estimates for 2014. Estimates of the numbers and percentages of workers exposed to RCS concentrations at least 1, 2, 5, and 10 times the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended exposure limit (REL) were calculated by industry using the 2002 North American Industry Classification System. Silicosis PMRs by industry were estimated using National Center for Health Statistics multiple cause of death data.

Results: RCS concentrations/workers exposed were highest in the poured concrete foundation and structure contractors; commercial and institutional building construction; and masonry contractors. Approximately 100 000 workers were exposed above the RCS REL, and most (79%) worked in the construction industry. Tile and terrazzo contractors (12%); brick, stone, and related construction merchant wholesalers (10%); masonry contractors (6%) and poured concrete foundation and structure contractors (6%) were the highest percentages of workers potentially overexposed. PMRs were highest for the structural clay product manufacturing and the foundries industries.

Conclusion: Percentages of workers exposed to RCS varied by industry and in some industries workers are exposed over 10 times the REL. Exposures can be reduced below the REL by implementing the hierarchy of controls.

Keywords: OSHA compliance data; PMR; crystalline silica; industries; silicosis mortality; worker exposure estimates.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The authors declare that there are no conflict of interests.

Figures

FIGURE A1
FIGURE A1
A flow chart depicting the basic steps in the estimation of the percentage of masonry contractors who were potentially exposed to silica at least twice the NIOSH recommended exposure limit in 2014. NIOSH, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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