A Scoping Review on Occupational Exposure of Silica and Asbestos among Industrial Workers in Thailand
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59096/osir.v14i2.262643Keywords:
asbestos, silica, occupational exposure, respiratory, ThailandAbstract
Pneumoconiosis is one of the most common occupational lung diseases in Thailand and worldwide. Workplace exposure to asbestos and silica is the main contributor to the prevalence of occupational pneumoconiosis. The aim of this study was to review the prevalence of occupational exposure to asbestos and silica among industrial workers in Thailand. A scoping literature review searched MEDLINE and universities in Thailand. The results from screening 113 were 11 studies selected for further review. Ten studies were cross-sectional and only one study was a retrospective cohort study. Four studies focused on asbestos exposure, whereas seven studies measured silica exposure. From four asbestos exposure studies, three studies showed a higher than standard exposure limit. From seven studies on silica exposure, four studies showed the measured exposure was above the standard level. However, the prevalence of exposure among people working in low-risk areas was not presented. The standard protocol of asbestos and silica exposure measurement was reported. The results showed that the average asbestos and silica exposure exceeded occupational exposure limits stated in either international or national guidelines. The highest level of asbestos exposure was found in a brake pad factory (9.95 fibres/cc). The highest amount of total silica dust was reported in a stone grinding factory (24.3 mg/m3). Prevention measures and active surveillance programs should be in place for all populations at risk. National surveys on occupational exposure of asbestos and silica are needed to explore current industrial practices and their compliance according to the standard national exposure limit.
References
Global and regional burden of chronic respiratory disease in 2016 arising from non-infectious airborne occupational exposures: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016. Occup Environ Med. 2020;77(3):142–50.
World Health Organization. Chronic respiratory diseases [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2020 [cited 2020 Aug 1]. <https://www.who.int/health-topics/chronic-respiratory-diseases#tab=tab_1>
GBD Chronic Respiratory Disease Collaborators. Prevalence and attributable health burden of chronic respiratory diseases, 1990-2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Lancet Respir Med. 2020 Jun;8(6):585–96.
Shi P, Xing X, Xi S, Jing H, Yuan J, Fu Z, et al. Trends in global, regional and national incidence of pneumoconiosis caused by different aetiologies: an analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Occup Environ Med. 2020;77(6):407–14.
Mandrioli D, Schlünssen V, Ádám B, Cohen RA, Colosio C, Chen W, et al. WHO/ILO work-related burden of disease and injury: Protocol for systematic reviews of occupational exposure to dusts and/or fibres and of the effect of occupational exposure to dusts and/or fibres on pneumoconiosis. Environ Int. 2018;119:174–85.
Rocha-Parise M, Santos LM, Damoiseaux JG, Bagatin E, Lido AV, Torello CO, et al. Lymphocyte activation in silica-exposed workers. Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2014;217(4-5):586–91.
Liu K, Mu M, Fang K, Qian Y, Xue S, Hu W, et al. Occupational exposure to silica and risk of heart disease: a systematic review with meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2020 Jan 7;10(1):e029653. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029653.
IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans: Silica, Some Silicates, Coal Dust and Para-Aramid Fibrils. Lyon, 15-22 October 1996. IARC Monogr Eval Carcinog Risks Hum. 1997;68:1–475.
Leso V, Fontana L, Romano R, Gervetti P, Iavicoli I. Artificial Stone Associated Silicosis: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Feb 16;16(4):568.
Poinen-Rughooputh S, Rughooputh MS, Guo Y, Rong Y, Chen W. Occupational exposure to silica dust and risk of lung cancer: an updated meta-analysis of epidemiological studies. BMC Public Health. 2016 Nov 4;16(1):1137.
Xu R, Barg FK, Emmett EA, Wiebe DJ, Hwang W-T. Association between mesothelioma and non-occupational asbestos exposure: systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Health. 2018 Dec 19;17(1):90.
World Health Organization. Elimination of asbestos-related diseases [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2018 Feb 15 [cited 2020 Aug 1]. <https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asbestos-elimination-of-asbestos-related-diseases>
Wilken D, Velasco Garrido M, Manuwald U, Baur X. Lung function in asbestos-exposed workers, a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Occup Med Toxicol. 2011 Jul 26;6:21.
Hein MJ, Stayner LT, Lehman E, Dement JM. Follow-up study of chrysotile textile workers: cohort mortality and exposure-response. Occup Environ Med. 2007 Sep;64(9):616–25.
McCormack V, Peto J, Byrnes G, Straif K, Boffetta P. Estimating the asbestos-related lung cancer burden from mesothelioma mortality. Br J Cancer. 2012 Jan 31;106(3):575–84.
Kanchanachitra C, Tangcharoensathien V, Patcharanarumol W, Posayanonda T. Multisectoral governance for health: challenges in implementing a total ban on chrysotile asbestos in Thailand. BMJ Glob Health. 2018 Oct 10;3(Suppl 4):e000383. doi:10.1136/bmjgh-2017-000383.
Division of Occupational and Environmental Department, Ministry of Public Health of Thailand. Situation on occupational and environmental injuries and illness in Thailand in 2018 [Internet]. Nonthaburi: Division of Occupational and Environmental; 2019 Aug [cited 2020 Aug 1] <http://envocc.ddc.moph.go.th/uploads/situation2/2561/2561_01_envocc_situation.pdf>. Thai.
Health Consumer protection Program. Asbestos: A silent killer that the Thai consumer organization should know. Bangkok: Health Consumer Protection Program; 2018 Nov 2 [cited 2020 Aug 1]. <http://www.thaihealthconsumer.org/news/asbestos-patient/>. Thai.
Thongtip S, Siviroj P, Deesomchok A, Prapamontol T, Wisetborisut A, Khacha-Ananda S. Effects of high silica exposure on respiratory disorders among stone-mortar workers in Northern Thailand. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 2019;50(2):401–10.
Department of Primary Industries and Mines. Ministry of Industry of Thailand. Quarrying data in Thailand [database on the Internet]. Bangkok: Department of Primary Industries and Mines; 2014 - 2015 [cited 2020 Aug 1]. <http://www1.dpim.go.th/csh/cr.php>
Woodruff TJ, Sutton P. The Navigation Guide systematic review methodology: a rigorous and transparent method for translating environmental health science into better health outcomes. Environ Health Perspect. 2014 Oct;122(10):1007–14.
Munn Z, Peters MDJ, Stern C, Tufanaru C, McArthur A, Aromataris E. Systematic review or scoping review? Guidance for authors when choosing between a systematic or scoping review approach. BMC Med ResMethodol. 2018 Nov 19;18(1):143.
Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG, The PG. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. PLOS Med. 2009 Jul 21;6(7):e1000097.
Aungkasuvapala N, Juengprasert W, Obhasi N. Silicosis and pulmonary tuberculosis in stone-grinding factories in Saraburi, Thailand. J Med Assoc Thai. 1995 Dec;78(12):662–9.
Danphaiboon A, Liewsaree W, Khantipongse J, Chaisuwan C, Khacha-ananda S, Singkaew J, et al. Blood Hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels in stone mill workers who were exposed to silica in upper north Thailand. Disease Control Journal. 2012;38(1):8–14.
Phanprasit W, Sujirarat D, Chaikittiporn C. Health risk among asbestos cement sheet manufacturing workers in Thailand. J Med Assoc Thai. 2009 Dec;92:S115–20.
Siriwatananukul P. Investigation of pleural thickening due to exposure to asbestos in factory at Thoongsong district, Nakornsrithammarat province. Disease Control Journal. 2008;34(4):433–40.
Tangtong C, Phanprasit W. Asbestos exposure monitoring in worker demolished asbestos contained material building and the concentration in environment. J Public Health. 2008; 38(2): 198–210.
Yingratanasuk T, Seixas N, Barnhart S, Brodkin D. Respiratory health and silica exposure of stone carvers in Thailand. Int J Occup Environ Health. 2002;8(4):301–8.
Danphaiboon A, Liewsaree W, Nambunmee K, Khantipongse J, Chaisuwan C, Khacha-ananda S. The relation between blood hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels and lung function test in the stone mill employees who are occupationally exposed to silica dust in upper north Thailand. Thai J Toxicology 2012;27(1):16–28.
Oopara S. A study of pulmonary function among employees who are exposed to silica in sanitary ware manufacturer in Saraburi province [mater’s thesis]. Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University; 2013. 76 p.
Lojananond W. An Investigation of Asbestosis and the Factors Affecting Lung Abnormalities in the Risk Workers. Nonthaburi: Division of Occupational and Environmental Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health Thailand; 2004.
Danphaiboon A, Liewsaree W, Chaisuwan C, Khantipongse J, Khacha-ananda S, Nambunmee K. Epidemiologic study of the association between Silica and Blood Hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels with Silicosis. Disease Control Journal. 2015;41(1):14–22.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. NIOSH manual of analytical methods [Internet]. 4th ed. Washington: Department of Health and Human Services (US), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Method number 7500: silica, crystalline by XRD; 2003 Mar 15 [cited 2020 Aug 15]. <https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003-154/pdfs/7500.pdf>
World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific. The Kingdom of Thailand health system review. Manila: WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific; 2015. 265 p.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Occupational Safety and Health Guidance Manual for Hazardous Waste Site Activities [Internet]. Washington: Department of Health and Human Services (US), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; 1985 Oct [updated 2014 Jun 6, cited 2021 Jan 20]. <https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/85-115/>
Belgers JD, Aalderink GH, Arts GH, Brock TC. Can time-weighted average concentrations be used to assess the risks of metsulfuron-methyl to Myriophyllum spicatum under different time-variable exposure regimes? Chemosphere. 2011;85(6):1017–25.
Notification of Department of Labour Protection and Welfare: Concentration Limits of Hazardous Chemicals. Royal Thai Government Gazette Volume 134, Special issue 198 Ngor (dated 2017 Aug 3): 34. <http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2560/E/198/34.PDF>
Beaucham C, Eisenberg J. Evaluation of fire debris cleanup employees’ exposure to silica, asbestos, metals, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons [Internet]. Cincinnati, OH: Department of Health and Human Services (US), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; 2019 Aug [cited 2021 Jan 20]. <https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2018-0094-3355.pdf>. Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0094-3355.
Fell AKM, Nordby KC. Association between exposure in the cement production industry and non-malignant respiratory effects: a systematic review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(4):e012381. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012381.
Hoy RF, Baird T, Hammerschlag G, Hart D, Johnson AR, King P, et al. Artificial stone-associated silicosis: a rapidly emerging occupational lung disease. Occup Environ Med. 2018 Jan;75(1):3–5.
Eypert-Blaison C, Romero-Hariot A, Clerc F, Vincent R. Assessment of occupational exposure to asbestos fibres: Contribution of analytical transmission electron microscopy analysis and comparison with phase-contrast microscopy. J Occup Environ Hyg. 2018 Mar;15(3):263–74.
Scarselli A, Corfiati M, Di Marzio D. Occupational exposure in the removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials in Italy. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2016 Jul;89(5):857–65.
Miscetti G, Bodo P, Garofani P, Abbritti EP, Lumare A. [Levels of exposure to respirable fibres at worksites for abatement of compact and friable asbestos]. Med Lav. 2014;105(1):63–73. Italian.
McLean D, Glass B, 't Mannetje A, Douwes J. Exposure to respirable crystalline silica in the construction industry-do we have a problem? N Z Med J. 2017 Dec 1;130(1466):78–82.
Gottesfeld P, Nicas M, Kephart JW, Balakrishnan K, Rinehart R. Reduction of respirable silica following the introduction of water spray applications in Indian stone crusher mills. Int J Occup Environ Health. 2008;14(2):94–103.
Coggiola N. The rough path to the compensation of asbestos damages in China. Sustainability. 2017;9(8):1431.
Courtice MN, Lin S, Wang X. An updated review on asbestos and related diseases in China. Int J Occup Environ Health. 2012;18(3):247–53.
Downloads
Additional Files
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2023 Outbreak, Surveillance, Investigation & Response (OSIR) Journal
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
