التحجر الرئوي Silicosis بين عمال المناجم و المحاجر : أسبابه و طرق الوقاية

Abstract EN

Silicosis is an incurable respiratory disease caused by inhalation of free-silica dust, which leads to inflammation and scarring of lung tissue.

This disease is considered one of the oldest occupational disease in the history of mankind.

Work in mines, quarries, foundries, ceramics factories,…etc encloses a lot of danger due to inhalation of silica-bearing dust.

Statistical data of the spread of this disease in different countries and a case study are given for Assiut Fertilizer Factory area, Phosphate of Abu Tartour mines in the New Valley Governorate, and limestone quarries of Bani Khaled, north of Minya. It has been shown clearly that the highest percentage of the disease in Egypt in 1989 is found in the mining industry and this percentage has increased greatly in the past few years due to the establishment of many new ceramic factories. The paper also endeavors the most important recommendations to prevent the silicosis such as the engineering controls, adequate respiratory protection programs for workers, adequate surveillance program including exposure and medical monitoring, using respirators and personal hygiene.