Former jean sandblasters die younger

Background: Silicosis remains a critical public and occupational health issue, exacerbated by its expansion into non-traditional industries and resulting in significant global morbidity and mortality. Aims: This study aims to investigate the death rates associated with silicosis from jean sandblasting by comparing the results of diagnosed individuals to those of the general population. Methods: Conducted from 2008 to 2023 in Ta & scedil;l & imath;& ccedil;ay and Toklular villages, Bing & ouml;l City, Turkey, this retrospective cohort study analysed mortality among 220 diagnosed males versus 2851 undiagnosed residents. Data were derived from the Cohort database and validated with the Bing & ouml;l Provincial Health Directorate and the Turkish Statistical Institute. Statistical analysis involved univariate comparisons and survival analysis, utilizing the Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Cox proportional hazards model, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results The analysis revealed a silicosis mortality rate of 10% in diagnosed individuals over 15 years, notably higher than the 4% in the general population. Higher radiological profusions and younger ages at diagnosis were significant mortality factors. A radiological profusion above five notably increased the mortality risk by 1.37 times, with age and radiological density proving critical in survival rates. Conclusions: This research highlights the increased mortality risk in silicosis patients, particularly among former jean sandblasters, underscoring the significant effects of radiological density and early age exposure on mortality, thereby addressing a crucial gap in understanding the impact of silicosis on life expectancy and community health.

Journal

OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE-OXFORD

Year

2024

Volume

74

Issue

8

Pages

607-611

ISSN

0962-7480

eISSN

1471-8405

DOI

10.1093/occmed/kqae092

WoS UID

WOS:001332244100001

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