Effect of Inert Dust Use on the Prevalence of Pulmonary Silicosis in Laying Hens

< 0.0001) higher silica deposition in the lungs of hens from Farm A, which used inert dust, than in those from Farm B, which did not use inert dust. Hens from Farm A exhibited increased proliferation of the parabronchial and atrial immune system with higher numbers of macrophages and lymphocytes in areas of silica deposition. Despite this immune response, no fibrosis was detected in hens from Farm A. In conclusion, this study established an association between the use of inert dust in barns and pneumoconiosis in hens housed in these environments. The effects of silica deposition on health and oxygen transport in the lungs require further investigation in long-term inhalation toxicity studies in chickens. Histologic signs of pneumoconiosis developed after relatively short exposure times, highlighting the potential risk posed by these silicate products. The study underscores the need for regulatory approval of silicate-based products to confirm their safety for both animals and humans. Despite the different histologic responses in chickens (no fibrosis), this study suggests that chickens could serve as a sentinel animal model for assessing the human health risks of silica exposure, given their rapid development of lung alterations following exposure.