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Silica and upper airway disease — DOccMed MCQ

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ModerateOccupational DiseaseSilica and upper airway diseaseDOccMed

A 46-year-old construction site manager develops chronic sinusitis. He has worked on sites with significant concrete cutting producing high levels of respirable crystalline silica. Is there an occupational association?

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Correct answer: B — Silica exposure is associated with upper respiratory tract irritation and chronic sinusitis, and his occupational exposure should be considered a contributing factor

While silicosis is the most well-known consequence of silica exposure, upper airway effects including chronic rhinosinusitis are recognised occupational associations. The exposure history makes an occupational contribution likely.

Reference: HSE Silica Guidance; Occupational Medicine literature