Surveillance of work-related and occupational respiratory disease study: efforts to better understand silicosis and to reduce workers’ exposure

Silicosis is one of the most important occupational diseases worldwide. In 2013, 46,000 silicosis-related deaths were reported in the world (1). China, for instance, estimates more than 24,000 events of death every year due to silicosis (2). Its pathogenesis is traditionally associated with environmental exposure to specific antigens from industries such as mining, quarrying and foundry.