Crystalline silica, quartz.

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.