EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUE TO RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: Silicosis is a worldwide occupational fibrotic respiratory disease caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica. There is a lack of knowledge about the limiting value of silica exposure in work labor or environment and compliance with this limit defined by national legislation. Objective: This systematic review describes how the limit value of silica dust exposure varies across the world and if people's exposure to silica dust exceeds the permissible level. Methods: The review considered peer-reviewed research articles published in English between 2018 and 2023. The study population included people who were exposed to silica dust. Twenty-one articles were eligible from Scopus, PubMed, and ISI Web of Knowledge databases. Results: The occupational and non-occupational populations were exposed to silica levels that exceeded the permissible value. Recognizing the non-accomplished standard limits is an opportunity to evaluate the production methods of industries, personal operating procedures, and guidelines of prevention rules. It is an opportunity to define environmental exposure limits for silica, rules for individual and collective protection, and screening strategies at regular occupational medicine consultations. Conclusion: The systematic review highlights the need for further research into guidelines for defining safe exposure silica dust limits and applying prevention measures.