Publications by Dr Johanna Feary

Artificial stone silicosis: A UK case series

6 August, 2024

Article

Silicosis due to artificial stone (AS) has emerged over the last decade as an increasing global issue. We report the first eight UK cases. All were men; median age was 34 years (range 27–56) and median stone dust exposure was 12.5 years (range 4–40) but in 4 cases was 4–8 years. One is deceased; two were referred for lung transplant assessment. All cases were dry cutting and polishing AS worktops with inadequate safety measures. Clinical features of silicosis can closely mimic sarcoidosis.

Assessment and outcomes of firefighter applicants with possible asthma

17 December, 2021

Article

We undertook a service evaluation to identify respiratory and employment outcomes of FFAs with a history of asthma who had undergone additional respiratory assessment at our specialist occupational lung disease clinic during 2005–19.

Follow-up survey of patients with occupational asthma

20 April, 2020

Article

Using a postal questionnaire, we surveyed all patients attending our specialist occupational lung disease clinic 1 year after having received a diagnosis of OA due to a sensitizer (n = 125). We enquired about their current health and employment status and impact of their diagnosis on various aspects of their life. Additional information was collected by review of clinical records.

Laboratory animal allergy is preventable in modern research facilities

20 June, 2019

Article

We surveyed 750 laboratory animal workers and measured airborne Mus m 1 (mouse allergen) levels in seven UK institutions. We compared the prevalence of sensitisation to mouse proteins (by specific IgE assay or skin prick test) and of work-related allergic symptoms in IVC-only and open cage units.

Occupational lung disease: what the general physician needs to know

2 April, 2025

Editorial

Occupational exposures are a common and preventable cause of lung disease. About one in six cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma worldwide are related to work.

Relationship between cumulative silica exposure and silicosis: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

6 August, 2024

Article

Silicosis, a chronic respiratory disease caused by crystalline silica exposure, is a persistent global lung health issue. No systematic review of the relationship between cumulative respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure and silicosis exists. UK exposure limits are currently under review. We therefore performed a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of this relationship.

Silicosis, tuberculosis and silica exposure among artisanal and small-scale miners: a systematic review and modelling paper

21 September, 2023

Article

An estimated 44 million artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM), largely based in developing economies, face significant occupational risks for respiratory diseases which have not been reviewed. We therefore aimed to review studies that describe silicosis and tuberculosis prevalence and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposures among ASM and use background evidence to better understand the relationship between exposures and disease outcomes. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase for studies published before the 24th March 2023.