Ceramic industry and pneumoconiosis in Turkey: a cross-sectional study on workplace health management

Pneumoconiosis is a significant occupational disease among ceramic workers in Turkey, requiring coordinated preventive action at both workplace and national levels. The critical lack of adequate exposure data in referral documents and the absence of structured post-diagnosis follow-up reveal weaknesses in current occupational hygiene and workplace health surveillance practices. Strengthening accurate assessment and documentation of exposure, standardizing referral protocols, ensuring effective periodic screenings, and promoting structured post-diagnosis follow-up, including smoking cessation interventions, are fundamental to improve disease management. To ensure effective control of pneumoconiosis in the ceramic industry in Turkey, existing legislation and occupational safety and health principles must be translated into well-monitored preventive actions at the workplace.