In this section
@article{Howlett:2025:10.1016/S2468-2667(25)00014-3,
author = {Howlett, P and Said, B and Mwanga, E and Mbuya, A and Nota, M and Kon, OM and Gottesfeld, P and Feary, J and Ehrlich, R},
doi = {10.1016/S2468-2667(25)00014-3},
journal = {The Lancet Public Health},
pages = {E343--E346},
title = {Confronting the growing epidemic of silicosis and TB among small-scale miners},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(25)00014-3},
volume = {10},
year = {2025}
}
TY - JOUR
AB - An estimated 49.5 million small-scale miners (SSM) globally are exposed to veryhigh levels of silica during their work. The substantial morbidity and mortality ofsilicosis and tuberculosis (TB) among workers exposed to such levels have beenclearly documented. This Viewpoint raises concern at the failure to respond to agrowing epidemic of lung disease – predominantly silicosis and TB – among SSM.We structure our argument around five points.First, we outline the huge burden of lung disease among SSM. Current estimates ofdisease prevalence yield approximately 450,000 microbiologically confirmedprevalent TB cases and 2.75 million prevalent silicosis cases globally among SSM.Second, we critically examine these figures in the context of high silica exposures.Given the very high intensities reported among SSM, between four and 2400 timesthe United States Permissible Exposure Limit, we believe the reported highprevalences of silicosis and TB are plausible. Third, we illustrate the failure tosupport research that aims to understand and mitigate the epidemic of silicosis andTB among SSM. Fourth, we examine the historic, socioeconomic and political factorsshaping the current epidemic. The small-scale mining industry has grown rapidlyover two decades, driven by upstream factors such as unemployment, climatechange and the growing mineral demand. These continued pressures suggest thatthis growth will accelerate. Finally, we recommend solutions appropriate to the earlystages of a response and the large-scale mobilization required. A funded globalplatform to bring together stakeholders is needed to facilitate research and action. Akey intervention is silica dust reduction, building on studies which demonstrateeffective and inexpensive technologies and practices.We conclude that an urgent and coordinated response is needed to address thedevastating health impacts of silicosis and TB in SSM and their preventableworkplace causes.
AU - Howlett,P
AU - Said,B
AU - Mwanga,E
AU - Mbuya,A
AU - Nota,M
AU - Kon,OM
AU - Gottesfeld,P
AU - Feary,J
AU - Ehrlich,R
DO - 10.1016/S2468-2667(25)00014-3
EP - 346
PY - 2025///
SN - 2468-2667
SP - 343
TI - Confronting the growing epidemic of silicosis and TB among small-scale miners
T2 - The Lancet Public Health
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(25)00014-3
VL - 10
ER -
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