Occupational and Regional Patterns of Silicosis in Türkiye: A Multicenter Study

<bold>Background:</bold> Silicosis remains a major public health concern in developing countries. Although data exist on cases compensated by social security, comprehensive nationwide data on prevalence and distribution are lacking. This study maps occupational and geographic patterns of silicosis in Türkiye. <bold>Methods:</bold> This multicenter study included 1,393 patients diagnosed between 2020 and 2025 at 12 referral centers specializing in occupational diseases. Demographic data, employment details, and clinical characteristics, including ILO classification, were recorded. <bold>Results:</bold> Of 1,393 patients, 0.8% (n = 11) were female, and median age was 47 years (18–83). At last follow-up, 81.5% (n = 1,135) remained under follow-up, 5.4% (n = 75) were lost to follow-up, 7.1% (n = 99) had unknown status, and 3.5% (n = 49) were deceased. The primary referral sources were 28.9% (n = 402) occupational physicians, 28.1% (n = 392) individual applications, 22.8% (n = 317) social security referrals, and 17.8% (n = 248) chest diseases clinics. The most affected industries were 36.8% (n = 512) ceramics, 8.9% (n = 124) foundries, 8.8% (n = 122) denim sandblasting, 8.3% (n = 116) mining, and 5.5% (n = 77) dental technician. Cases clustered in northwestern industrial region, particularly where the ceramics industry is prominent. <bold>Conclusions:</bold> This study, the largest silicosis cohort in Türkiye, highlights its occupational and regional distribution, with ceramics industry carrying the highest burden. Occupational physicians play a key role in detection, and silicosis cases in sandblasting persist for decades. Identifying high-risk sectors and regions will guide targeted prevention and regulation.