Abstract:

In order to reduce the incidence rate of artificial stone silicosis in China, the composition, exposure opportunity, clinical characteristics and epidemiological characteristics of literature cases of workplace silica dust were analyzed. Finally, comprehensive measures such as wet cutting, ventilation, personal protection, et al, to prevent the occurrence of silicosis in the workplace were proposed. The results show that dry cutting, excessive concentration of crystalline silica, without ventilation and personal protective measures in the workplace were the main causes of artificial stone silicosis. From 2010 to 2019, Spain, Israel, Italy, the United States, Australia and China reported a total of 131 literature cases of artificial stone silicosis. With the mass production, processing and use of artificial stone, the number of cases increased. Most of the literature cases were about 30-50 years old. They had exposed to silica dust exposure for more than 10 years, and they were usually male. Many cases had no obvious symptoms in the early stage. As the disease progresses or complications, symptoms such as cough, expectoration, chest tightness, shortness of breath and chest pain might appear. Sometimes the clinical features were different from the changes of X-ray chest film. The content of crystalline silica in artificial stone was more than 70%, and the concentration of silica dust exceeded occupational exposure Limits in the working environment of their own countries. There were no dust suppression measures, such as dry cutting, without ventilation, et al, in most workplace. Most literature cases did not wear qualified respiratory protective equipment at work.

Key words: artificial stone silicosis, cases, crystalline silica, artificial quartz stone