Page 23 of 50
Key Conclusions
AS silicosis represents a preventable yet devastating epidemic that has outpaced existing protective frameworks. The evidence presented in this workshop underscores that the material is predictably toxic, exposures in fabrication shops remain uncontrolled, affected workers are often young and socially marginalized, the disease course is rapidly progressive, treatment options are limited, and current systems for early detection and public health response are inadequate. Without urgent, decisive action, thousands more cases will occur worldwide.
Moving forward, an integrated approach is required. Policy measures must extend beyond awareness campaigns to include enforceable regulations, enhanced medical surveillance systems, and, where appropriate, material substitution or elimination. Research must clarify the role of non-silica constituents in disease pathogenesis and advance more effective exposure controls. Clinical care models must evolve to include early and equitable screening, multidisciplinary management, and systematic tracking of outcomes, such as those related to lung transplantation.
Ultimately, this epidemic underscores the pressing need to align occupational health protections with the principles of social and health equity. Protecting vulnerable worker populations, particularly immigrants and migrants in precarious employment, must be central to any solution. The ATS and its partners are positioned to advocate for and help implement these changes, ensuring that the lessons from this epidemic drive meaningful advances in prevention, care, and policy for silica-related disease worldwide.
Downloaded from academic. oup. com / annalsats / advance-article / doi / 10.1093 / annalsats / aaoag176 / 8719399 by guest on 10 November 2026