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Respiratory surveillance for coal mine dust and artificial stone exposed workers in Australia and New Zealand: A position statement from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand*
Author(s) -
Perret Jennifer L.,
Miles Susan,
Brims Fraser,
Newbigin Katrina,
Davidson Maggie,
Jersmann Hubertus,
Edwards Adrienne,
Zosky Graeme,
Frankel Anthony,
Johnson Anthony R.,
Hoy Ryan,
Reid David W.,
Musk A. William,
Abramson Michael J.,
Edwards Bob,
Cohen Robert,
Yates Deborah H.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
respirology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.857
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1440-1843
pISSN - 1323-7799
DOI - 10.1111/resp.13952
Subject(s) - medicine , silicosis , coal mining , environmental health , pneumoconiosis , occupational lung disease , asbestosis , intensive care medicine , referral , occupational disease , family medicine , lung , occupational exposure , coal , pathology , waste management , engineering
Coal mine lung dust disease (CMDLD) and artificial stone (AS) silicosis are preventable diseases which have occurred in serious outbreaks in Australia recently. This has prompted a TSANZ review of Australia's approach to respiratory periodic health surveillance. While regulating respirable dust exposure remains the foundation of primary and secondary prevention, identification of workers with early disease assists with control of further exposure, and with the aims of preserving lung function and decreasing respiratory morbidity in those affected. Prompt detection of an abnormality also allows for ongoing respiratory specialist clinical management. This review outlines a medical framework for improvements in respiratory surveillance to detect CMDLD and AS silicosis in Australia. This includes appropriate referral, improved data collection and interpretation, enhanced surveillance, the establishment of a nationwide Occupational Lung Disease Registry and an independent advisory group. These measures are designed to improve health outcomes for workers in the coal mining, AS and other dust‐exposed and mining industries.