Crystalline Silica Exposure and Major Health Effects in Western Australian Gold Miners

Abstract

We have re-analysed a cohort study of Western Australian goldminers using quantitative silica exposure estimates. The results indicate strong and separate dose–response effects for both duration and intensity of exposure to respirable silica and the incidence of compensated silicosis. There were significant increases in mortality from both autoimmune diseases and lung cancer among those with silicosis. There was a small non-significant increase in lung cancer mortality associated with cumulative silica exposure, which was similar in magnitude to that found in other studies. Propensity score adjustment indicated that, in contrast to asbestos and asbestosis, the increase in risk of lung cancer was restricted to subjects with silicosis.