Ceramic Workers and the Inflammatory Effects of the Silica Dust on the Nasal Mucosa Detected by Nasal Cytology: a Pilot Study

Abstract Background. Adverse health effects due to occupational exposures are a global public health concern and have been studied for many years. Ceramic workers are occupationally exposed to a wide range of toxic substances as they manage clay (silico-aluminous feldspar mixed with sodium, potassium salts and iron oxide). The objective of this study was to assess the presence of any inflammation or alteration of the nasal mucosa of ceramic workers by nasal cytology.Materials and methods. Ceramic workers from Caltagirone (Italy) were enrolled. Nasal symptoms, atopy, health habits and workplace features were assessed by a special questionnaire, and nasal mucosa health was evaluated by nasal cytology.Results. The cytological study of the nasal mucosa showed the constant presence of abundant, thick and filamentous mucus, as well as a reorganization of the nasal cellularity with a prevalence of muciparous metaplasia and almost total absence of hair cells, for almost all of the subjects.Conclusions. A significant proportion of ceramic workers showed chronic inflammatory rhinitis on nasal cytology, with a remodelling of the nasal mucosa and thick mucus. Nasal cytology may be a helpful tool for the screening of any pathology of the upper airways.