High Prevalence of Silicosis and Progressive Massive Fibrosis Amid Sandstone Engravers in Lopburi Province, Thailand
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the prevalence of silicosis and chest radiographic features among sandstone engravers in Lopburi province, Thailand.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted in February 2021 through individuals’ medical records and chest radiographs. The diagnosis of silicosis was based on criteria by the Thailand Social Security Office, where chest radiographs with a profusion of at least 1/0 were suggestive of silicosis. All chest radiographs were read by the NIOSHcertified B reader according to the 2011 ILO International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses (ILO/ICRP).
RESULTS: Among thirty-one workers residing in the same village, the prevalence of silicosis was 41.9%. Regarding those with silicosis, 92.3% had a profusion category of 2 or 3, and 30.8% exhibited progressive massive fibrosis. The participants’ mean age and mean working year were 51.9 and 19.6 years, respectively. 48.4% of them were male, and 41.4% were ever-smokers. There was no statistically significant difference between silicotic and non-silicotic groups regarding sex, age, years of working, and ever-smoking status.
CONCLUSION: This study raises concerns regarding the ongoing burden of silicosis. The high prevalence of silicosis reflects the underreporting of at-risk workers and the prevalence of silicosis in Thailand. The Thailand Occupational and Environmental Diseases Control Act, B.E. 2562 (A.D. 2019) marks a significant milestone in strengthening silicosis surveillance systems. Hopefully, further vigorous support from all functional levels will put the silicosis preventive strategy in place in the near future.
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