Silicosis Among Countertop Fabrication Workers ¡ª California, January 1, 2019¨CNovember 14, 2024

What did we do?

• We evaluated the ability of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) silicosis surveillance system to capture ES silicosis cases to guide prevention and protective policy.

What did we find?

• We identified 219 ES silicosis cases, including 14 deaths and 26 patients with lung transplants.
• Partner interviews identified limited access to healthcare, misdiagnosis, low rates of employee medical screenings, and lack of mandatory reporting limit system sensitivity.

Why does it matter?

• Despite documenting high burden, CDPH's surveillance system is capturing <40% of estimated ES silicosis cases in California.
• System sensitivity might be improved through clinician and workplace outreach to increase disease awareness and medical screenings.

Abstract Category: Occupational Safety and Health