Silicosis Mortality in Decline

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that death rates for silicosis have declined from a high of 1,157 for the year 1968 to 148 during 2002. This decrease is attributed to both the national compliance standards now in place as well as a decrease in employment in heavy industries in the United States over the past 40 years. Data contained in the National Occupational Respiratory Mortality System sponsored by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) suggests that mining metal and coal creates the greatest risk for silica exposure leading to death at the present. In the heavy construction industry, 12,200 workers are still exposed to silica every year, making continued workplace monitoring a necessity.

For further information: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/constructionsilica/index.html