Investigation of the health effects on workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica during outdoor and underground construction projects

Chronic exposure of workers to powder containing crystalline silica (Silicon dioxide; SiO(2)) can lead to chronic lung diseases (lung cancer, silicosis, etc.). Aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure of Greek construction workers to SiO(2) and describe their pulmonary function. The study involved 86 outdoor and underground workers. Medical and professional history was obtained, and breath samples were collected at morning hours through a mask for the determination of SiO(2) levels. Pulmonary function tests, radiological examination and evaluation of radiographs were also performed. Pulmonary function examination showed that the majority of the workers were within normal range (61.4%) while the rest were diagnosed with mild (26.5%) and more severe impairment (7.24%). Working conditions (underground-outdoor) were statistically significantly related to the categorization of pulmonary function (P=0.038). During radiological examination, the type of working activity/ conditions (underground-outdoor) were statistically significantly related to the categorization of these findings (P=0.044). Of the 69 employees, 52 did not present findings (75.4%) and 5 were diagnosed with findings specific to occupational diseases (7.23%). Environmental exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) was detected at 0.0125 mg/m(3) in the workplace, which is not beyond the legal limits. Underground workers with more than 15 years of exposure to SiO(2) are more likely to present chronic silicosis compared to the workers of outdoor activities.