Silicosis in Zambian ex-copper miners: A cross-sectional study

<b>What the study adds.</b> Although there have been previous reports on silicosis in Zambia, this is the first study of the prevalence of silicosis published in the open literature. It shows a persistence since 2012 of silicosis prevalence among ex-copper miners of 8%, with a substantial proportion of radiologically advanced disease.<b>Implications of the findings.</b> Zambia has a large and growing copper mining industry. Silicosis is a strong risk factor for pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), contributing to the elevated burden of TB among miners in Zambia. A multidisciplinary response of best-practice measurements of silica dust on all copper mines and countrywide medical surveillance of ex-miners for silicosis and TB is needed as a basis for primary prevention.