Crystalline Silica, Quartz


Book Description

A concise assessment of the adverse effects on human health caused by exposure to quartz the most common form of crystalline silica. Quartz is a frequently occurring solid component of most natural mineral dusts. Human exposure occurs most often during occupational activities involving movement of earth disturbance of silica-containing products such as masonry and concrete or use or manufacture of silica-containing products. As respirable quartz dust particles can be inhaled and deposited in the lung the report gives particular attention to evidence of an increased risk of lung cancer in occupationally exposed workers. Most studies in laboratory animals have concentrated on adverse effects associated with long-term inhalation of particles. Effects observed include cellular proliferation nodule formation suppressed immune function and alveolar proteinosis. While exposure clearly induces pulmonary tumours in one species other species show less or no malignant tumour response. The evaluation of risks to human health draws on a large number of epidemiological studies of workers exposed to respirable quartz dust. Occupational exposure has been linked to an increased incidence of silicosis ung cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis. Studies have also documented statistically significant increases in cases of bronchitis emphysema chronic obstructive pulmonary disease autoimmune-related diseases including scleroderma rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus and renal disease. In reviewing these findings the report underscores several uncertainties inherent to the study of respiratory diseases in occupational populations that complicate the assessment of risks associated with exposure to quartz dust. The need for improved methods of exposure assessment and data analysis is stressed.







The Construction Chart Book


Book Description

The Construction Chart Book presents the most complete data available on all facets of the U.S. construction industry: economic, demographic, employment/income, education/training, and safety and health issues. The book presents this information in a series of 50 topics, each with a description of the subject matter and corresponding charts and graphs. The contents of The Construction Chart Book are relevant to owners, contractors, unions, workers, and other organizations affiliated with the construction industry, such as health providers and workers compensation insurance companies, as well as researchers, economists, trainers, safety and health professionals, and industry observers.




Waste Incineration and Public Health


Book Description

Incineration has been used widely for waste disposal, including household, hazardous, and medical wasteâ€"but there is increasing public concern over the benefits of combusting the waste versus the health risk from pollutants emitted during combustion. Waste Incineration and Public Health informs the emerging debate with the most up-to-date information available on incineration, pollution, and human healthâ€"along with expert conclusions and recommendations for further research and improvement of such areas as risk communication. The committee provides details on: Processes involved in incineration and how contaminants are released. Environmental dynamics of contaminants and routes of human exposure. Tools and approaches for assessing possible human health effects. Scientific concerns pertinent to future regulatory actions. The book also examines some of the social, psychological, and economic factors that affect the communities where incineration takes place and addresses the problem of uncertainty and variation in predicting the health effects of incineration processes.







Study on the Implementation of the Autonomous Agreement on Workers’ Health Protection Through the Good Handling and Use of Crystalline Silica and Products Containing it


Book Description

Crystalline silica is a material that is naturally abundant and raw materials and products containing crystalline silica are used in a wide variety of industries. Concerns have been raised about the health impact of exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) which can be released during extraction or production processes. The European Commission’s Scientific Committee for Occupational Exposure Limits (SCOEL) has argued that ‘the main effects in humans of the inhalation of RCS are silicosis. There is sufficient information to conclude that the relative lung cancer risk is increased in persons with silicosis [...]. Therefore, preventing the onset of silicosis will also reduce the cancer risk. Since a clear threshold for silicosis development cannot be identified, any reduction of exposure will reduce the risk of silicosis’. There are currently no occupational exposure limits (OEL) for RCS at EU level. On 2 March 2004, the European Commission consulted the EU social partner (in line with Art.154 TFEU) regarding the opinion on a possible revision of Directive 90/394/EEC (the Carcinogens Directive) as regards, in particular, the OEL list. Following a six-month period of negotiation, on 25 April 2006, a multi-sectoral Agreement on Workers Health Protection through the Good Handling and Use of Crystalline Silica and Products containing it was signed, the first of its kind, which brought together social partners from 14 different sectors. Importantly, this does not include the construction sector, where the risk of exposure to RCS is greatest. The objectives of the Agreement are: Protection of the health of employees and other individuals occupationally exposed at the workplace to respirable crystalline silica from materials / products / raw materials containing crystalline silica; Minimising exposure to respirable crystalline silica at the workplace by applying the Good Practices stipulated herein in order to prevent, eliminate or reduce occupational health risks related to respirable crystalline silica and; Increasing the knowledge about potential health effects of respirable crystalline silica and about relevant Good Practices.




Pathology of the Lungs E-Book


Book Description

With an emphasis on practical diagnostic problem solving, Pathology of the Lungs, 3rd Edition provides the pulmonary pathologist and the general surgical pathologist with an accessible, comprehensive guide to the recognition and interpretation of common and rare neoplastic and non-neoplastic lung conditions. The text is written by two authors and covers all topics in a consistent manner without the redundancies or lapses that are common in multi-authored texts. The text is lavishly illustrated with the highest quality illustrations which accurately depict the histologic, immunohistochemical and cytologic findings under consideration and it is supplemented throughout with practical tips and advice from two internationally respected experts. The user-friendly design and format allows rapid access to essential information and the incorporation throughout of relevant clinical and radiographic information makes it a complete diagnostic resource inside the reporting room. Approximately 1,000 high quality full color illustrations.Provides the user with a complete visual guide to each specimen and assists in the recognition and diagnosis of any slide looked at under the microscope. Comprehensive coverage of both common and rare lung diseases and disorders. One stop consultation resource for the reporting room or study, no need to go further to get questions answered. Clinical background and ancillary radiographs incorporated throughout.Provides the user with all of the necessary diagnostic tools to make a complete and accurate pathologic report. Practical advice and tips from two of the world’s recognized experts. Provides the trainee and general surgical pathologist with time saving diagnostic clues when dealing with difficult specimens. Consistent and uniform approach incorporated for each disease and disorder (Etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, pathologic features, differential diagnosis) User-friendly format enables quick and easy navigation to the key information required. Extensive use of summary tables, charts and graphs throughout the text. Helps simplify and clarify complex concepts and facilitates “at a glance comparisons between entities. Extensive reference list highlights landmark articles as well as including most up-to-date citations. Directs the trainee and practitioner to the most recent and authoritative sources for further reading and investigation