SILICOSIS AND WORKER HEALTH: PREVENTION, EARLY DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

Abstract

Introduction: Silicosis is recognized as a major occupational respiratory disease linked to prolonged exposure to crystalline silica, which is present in activities such as mining, construction, foundry work, and ceramic material production. Continuous inhalation of these particles causes persistent lung inflammation, progressive fibrosis, and reduced respiratory functional capacity; it can progress to respiratory failure, associated tuberculosis, and an increased risk of lung neoplasms. In the context of worker health, prevention is an essential strategy, involving environmental controls, the proper use of personal protective equipment, occupational surveillance, and educational initiatives carried out primarily through primary health care. Early diagnosis is crucial for reducing complications, achieved through the identification of respiratory symptoms, a detailed occupational history, and the performance of complementary tests such as chest X-rays and pulmonary function tests. This systematic literature review aimed to analyze key scientific evidence regarding the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of occupational silicosis within primary health care, highlighting strategies for the comprehensive monitoring of workers exposed to silica. Methodology: The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA checklist recommendations, utilizing scientific articles published over the last 10 years in the PubMed, SciELO, and Web of Science databases. The descriptors used were “silicosis,” “worker health,” “occupational exposure,” “primary health care,” and “prevention of respiratory diseases.” Full-text studies published in Portuguese, English, or Spanish that addressed workers exposed to silica and diagnostic or therapeutic strategies were included. Duplicate articles, studies unrelated to occupational silicosis, and publications where the full text was inaccessible were excluded. Results: The studies analyzed demonstrated that silicosis prevention relied primarily on reducing occupational exposure, monitoring work environments, and strengthening primary care initiatives. Early diagnosis was linked to the rapid identification of clinical and radiological changes, enabling interventions before the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Available treatments focused on symptom control, pulmonary rehabilitation, complication management, and continuous patient monitoring. Conclusion: Evidence indicated that silicosis remained a significant occupational health issue, requiring the integration of surveillance, prevention, and multidisciplinary care. Primary care played an essential role in the early detection of cases, the guidance of preventive measures, and the promotion of quality of life for affected workers.