Anybody having innovative and potentially impactful suggestions for initiating operational or translational research for reducing burden of silicosis and silico-tuberculosis.
dust control at source - wetting,ventilation,.dust trapping, work practice
personal protective equipment - masks, filtered helmets
radiological screening and removal from exposure of early detected cases-x ray, CT
respiratory function test screening
blood and breath test screening.
recognition of new silica using industries
standard TB control methods
Thanks a lot, Dr. James for your response. What about detecting them even in subradiological silicosis stage by some suitable technology? Subradiological silicosis is a neglected part and not even understood properly for better control of silicosis and silico-tuberculosis. We need to try to convince the relevant leaders and others about it.
Silicosis / Silico-tuberculosis(Prevention)
Silicosis is an important public health occupational disease, often associated with tuberculosis , With long latent period , invariably sputum negative
Medical measures: Preplacement Examination, Periodic examination , Medical and health care services , Notification of disease, Analysis and monitoring of records
Engineering measures; Dust enclosure ,Ventilation, Personal protective equipments, Substitution , Process enclosure ,Environment monitoring
Administrative : Ergonomics, Duty hours , Shift from duty
Legislative : Acts like Factory act , ESI act , Shramik kalyan Yojana
Health Education: To workers regarding preventive measure, nutrition, mental health , including cleaning of clothes and bathing after coming to home after work to prevent transmission to family members .
Thanks a lot, Dr. Kapoor for your response. As we understand, the existing method of detection of silicosis is based on chest x-ray among silica dust exposed workers, which often identifes silicosis at an advanced stage with limited opportunity for providing intervention. We need to explore other possible mechanisms for early detection. We understand that control of silicosis is very much needed for control of tuberculosis in India as we have a huge burden of silicosis.
there are now a few blood and breath tests being tried for very early detection of silica induced inflammatory response : eg serum CC16, exhaled NO
Thanks a ton, Dr.James for your prompt response. We too found CC16 is a useful proxy biomarker and may be used as a screening tool for early detection of silicosis and silica dust exposed workers.
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