Historia Crítica

Hist. Crit. | eISSN 1900-6152 | ISSN 0121-1617

Hidden Disease: A History of Occupational Diseases in Colombia, the Case of Silicosis (1910-1950)

No. 45 (2011-09-01)
  • Óscar Gallo Vélez
  • Jorge Marquez Valderrama
https://doi.org/10.7440/histcrit45.2011.06

Abstract

Silicosis (and other pneumoconioses), a chronic disease often associated with the appearance of tuberculosis in miners, posed a significant challenge for Colombia’s nascent hygienic and industrial safety efforts. The article analyzes the strategies and recommendations of various doctors and engineers to reduce this type of “risk.” It shows how silicosis remained outside the interests of the medical establishment due to the predominance of other socio-medical problems. It became a medical problem with the first studies of “occupational medicine” and the beginnings of social security in Colombia.

Keywords: pneumoconiosis, silicosis, tuberculosis, occupational diseases, industrial hygiene, the history of occupational medicine, Colombia