Journal of Health Sciences & Surveillance System

Risk Assessment of Mortality from Silicosis and Lung Cancer in Sweepers of an Iron Ore Mine with Crystalline Silica Exposure

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Haniyeh Soltanpour 1
Ali Faghihi Zarandi 1
Abdollah Gholami 2
Saiedeh Haji Maghsoudi 3
Behnam Khodarahmi 4
Rouhollah Parvari 1

1 Department of Occupational Health Engineering and Safety at Work, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

2 Department of Occupational Health, School of Health, Social Department of Health Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran

3 Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

4 Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Gol-E-Gohar Mining and Industrial Co, Sirjan, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30476/jhsss.2024.104233.1981
Abstract
Background: Crystalline silica is a major occupational air pollutant. Inhalation of silica-containing dust can lead to severe respiratory disorders, including silicosis and lung cancer. This study assessed the mortality risks of silicosis and lung cancer among sweepers at an iron ore mine exposed to crystalline silica.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during 2022 2023 involving 120 sweepers and 120 office staff. Air sampling for crystalline silica was performed using plastic cyclones in accordance with NIOSH Analytical Method 7601, and samples were analyzed using a UV/VIS spectrophotometer. Mortality risk assessments for silicosis and lung cancer were computed using 
the Mannetje and Rice models, respectively.
Results: The mean concentration of crystalline silica exposure among sweepers (0.67±1.40 mg/m³) exceeded the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 0.025 mg/m³. The Concentration unit showed the highest silica levels. The estimated silicosis mortality risk ranged from 3–64 per 1,000 workers among sweepers and 1 per 1,000 workers among office staff. The lung cancer mortality risk ranged from 9–535 per 1,000 sweepers and 1 per 1,000 office staff. The Concentration unit also exhibited the highest risk for both diseases.
Conclusion: Sweepers in iron ore mines face elevated mortality risks from silicosis and lung cancer due to excessive crystalline silica exposure. Effective control measures to reduce silica levels are urgently needed. Further investigations should address long term exposure patterns and preventive strategies.

Keywords

Crystalline Silica
Lung Cancer
Mortality
Silicosis
Sweepers
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Journal of Health Sciences & Surveillance System
Volume 14, Issue 2
Spring 2026
Pages 121-128

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