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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Health Effects of Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica

About this resource:

HHS Non-systematic Review

Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Last Reviewed: April 2002

Workgroups: Occupational Safety and Health Workgroup

This hazard review details important findings from epidemiological studies on the health effects of workplace exposure to respirable crystalline silica. The review discusses current sampling and analytical methods and their limitations. Evidence shows that long-term exposure to crystalline silica causes:

  • Risk of developing long-term silicosis
  • Increased risk of lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, and airway diseases
  • Other negative health effects

This report also suggests many areas for further research.

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Objectives related to this resource (1)

Reduce pneumoconiosis deaths — OSH‑04
Improving

Suggested Citation

1.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2002). Health Effects of Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2002-129/