Estimation of an Exposure Threshold Value for Compensation of Silica-Induced COPD Based on Longitudinal Changes in Pulmonary Function

A recent case study conducted by the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health sought to determine the correlation of air blockage between respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The methodology applied was a cohort study measuring the lung function of miners with continual exposure to RCS. The authors concluded that a linear threshold model proved a better fit for the data in comparison to a standard application of a linear model and found a concentration threshold of 0.1mg/m3 of exposure before adverse effect on the miners' lung function was seen.

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