Association of Silica Dust Exposure and Cigarette Smoking With Mortality Among Mine and Pottery Workers in China

Key Points Question Is there an association of silica dust exposure and cigarette smoking with mortality? Findings In this cohort study of 44 708 adults who worked in mines or pottery factories in China and were followed up for a median of 34.9 years, the combination of silica dust exposure and cigarette smoking was found to be associated with mortality among individuals with lung cancer, certain infectious and parasitic diseases, respiratory tuberculosis, diseases of the respiratory system, and pneumoconiosis. Meaning Smoking cessation and control of silica dust concentrations may be associated with reduced risk of mortality among individuals exposed to silica dust.