AUTHOR=Yong Mei , Morfeld Peter , McCunney Robert 

TITLE=Extended Investigation of Exposure to Respirable Synthetic Amorphous Silica Dust and Its Potential Impact on Non-malignant Respiratory Morbidity

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=10

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.801619

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2022.801619

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Objectives</title><p>The present analysis aims to study the health impact of an occupational exposure to respirable synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) dusts, based on the available data from the German study.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>The effect of cumulative exposure to respirable SAS dust on respiratory morbidity were investigated in 462 exposed male workers. Multiple exposure assessments was performed anchored by a most recent measurement series. Internal regression models in addition to Monte Carlo-Multi Model were fitted.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>An averaged cumulative respirable SAS dust concentration of 6.44 mg/m<sup>3</sup>-years was estimated. Internal regression models suggested a reduction of 8.11 ml (95% confidence interval: 0.49–15.73) in forced vital capacity (FVC) per 1 mg/m<sup>3</sup>-year increase of exposure. But no effect on forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV<sub>1</sub>) and the ratio of the parameters FEV<sub>1</sub>/FVC was observed in association with exposure to a respirable fraction of SAS. No adverse effects on the occurrence of respiratory diseases were indicated.</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusion</title><p>This study provides no clear evidence of adverse health effects from occupational exposure to respirable SAS.</p></sec><sec><title>Sponsor</title><p>Evonik Operations GmbH/Smart Materials, Cabot Corporation, Wacker Chemie AG.</p></sec>