The Burden of Silicosis in Michigan: 1988–2016

Adults with confirmed cases of silicosis have advanced disease and morbidity. Most are not using workers' compensation to pay for their care. The new OSHA silica standard, which lowers the permissible exposure limit for silica and requires medical monitoring to identify workers with silicosis, will help reduce the burden of silica exposure. It is critical for pulmonologists to be vigilant to recognize and manage this preventable occupational lung disease.