2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer (Posters)-EP01.01. Respirable Crystalline Silica Exposure and Lung Cancer Risk: A Review of Cut-off Points

EP01.01. Respirable Crystalline Silica Exposure and Lung Cancer Risk: A Review of Cut-off Points - PDF(Slides)

Pdf Summary

This study aimed to review the cut-off points for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure that pose a risk of mortality and lung cancer development. The researchers conducted a systematic review using the PubMed database and included studies published between 2005 and April 2023. They analyzed cohort and case-control studies that reported relative risks (RR), odds ratios (OR), hazard ratios (HR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for different levels of occupational RCS exposure.<br /><br />Additionally, the researchers investigated RCS exposure limits set by international agencies. They conducted a Google search to find the limits set by various countries including the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Germany, United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, and Spain.<br /><br />The results showed significant variation in RCS exposure levels between studies and countries. Most countries set the RCS exposure limit at 0.05mg/m3 for an 8-hour day, although some had higher or lower limits at 0.1mg/m3 and 0.025mg/m3, respectively. However, due to the diverse findings, it was not possible to establish a consensus exposure limit.<br /><br />Regarding the risk of lung cancer mortality associated with RCS exposure, five studies showed significant measurements for certain exposure categories. These included exposures of 10mg/m3-years, 2.6 mg/m3-years, 0.224-0.456 mg/m3-years, and 0 mg/m3-years.<br /><br />Overall, there is considerable variation in RCS exposure levels and no consensus on the exposure limit. However, it is generally agreed that the risk of lung cancer is low below 0.1 mg/m3. The study highlights the importance of continued research and standardization of exposure limits to protect workers from the harmful effects of RCS.

Asset Subtitle

Julia Rey Brandariz

Meta Tag

Speaker Julia Rey Brandariz

Topic Risk Factors, Risk Reduction & Tobacco Control

Keywords

respirable crystalline silica

RCS exposure

mortality risk

lung cancer development

exposure limits

international agencies

exposure levels

consensus exposure limit

lung cancer mortality

research