Pneumoconiosis in Uruguay

Review of epidemiological studies and case studies

Abstract

Pneumoconiosis is a public health problem, particularly an occupational health problem, as it represents a health risk for the working population exposed to work processes that generate respirable fibrogenic dust. The objective was to understand the epidemiological situation and the history of research and/or case histories related to pneumoconiosis in Uruguay. Statistics on pneumoconiosis were analyzed. The information was supplemented with a bibliographic search for research history and/or case histories during the period 2014–2022. There were three cases of pneumoconiosis recognized as occupational. Regarding
epidemiological studies or case histories on pneumoconiosis published in peer-reviewed Uruguayan journals, five articles were obtained. All refer to inadequate working conditions, and the diagnosis was based on intense occupational exposure, clinical presentation, and compatible radiological and functional findings. Currently in Uruguay, asbestosis and silicosis are recognized as occupational diseases. The epidemiological approach to the health problem allowed us to study other workers who shared the same work environment and occupational exposure. Based on case histories and statistical data, silicosis and asbestosis are
present in the country but are likely underdiagnosed. Pneumoconioses are preventable; action should be aimed at substantially reducing the amount of dust in the work environment, particularly the respirable fraction.