Analysis on silicosis surveillance datain Tianjin 2011-2015

Objective To understand the incidence of silicosis in Tianjin during 2011-2015 and provide evidence for the development of intervention measures and silicosis prevention and control during the 13th five year plan period. Methods The dynamic surveillance for silicosis was conducted through occupational health survey, occupational health monitoring, occupational hazards detection and occupational disease reporting. Results A total of 856 new cases of silicosis were diagnosed in Tianjin during 2011-2015, since 2014, the case number increased significantly. The average working age at onset was 17 years. Occupational health examination found 13 suspected silicosis cases (0.2%) and 549 cases of abnormal pulmonary function (8.8%). The qualified rate of silicon dust (total dust) in the air of workplace was only 38.1%, the highest concentration exceeded the limit by 16.6 times. Conclusion Silicosis poses a serious threaten to workers' health in Tianjin, which is characterized by the increase of new cases and shorter working years at onset. The surveillance also found that the workers' abnormal indicator rates in health examinations increased with year and the silicon dust concentrations in working places highly exceeded the limit. It is urgent to take effective prevention measures to control the incidence of silicosis.