How is silicosis caused?

Silicosis is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling large amounts of crystalline silica dust, usually over many years. Silica is a substance naturally found in certain types of stone, rock, sand and clay. Working with these materials can create a very fine dust that can be easily inhaled.

What is silicosis and what are its symptoms?

Symptoms of silicosis usually appear after many years of exposure. In early stages, symptoms are mild and include cough, sputum and progressive shortness of breath. As the scarring continues to worsen, the first real signs of a problem may be an abnormal chest X-ray and a slowly developing cough.

How does silica cause silicosis?

Silicosis is caused by breathing in high concentrations of silica dust, usually over many years. Shorter periods of more intense exposure may also cause silicosis. When silica dust enters the lungs, it causes the formation of scar tissue, which makes it difficult for the lungs to take in oxygen.

How is silicosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made when someone who has worked with silica has chest computed tomography (CT) that shows distinctive patterns consistent with the disease. A chest x-ray can also be done to help diagnose silicosis. When imaging findings are unclear, samples of lung tissue can help confirm the diagnosis.

Is silicosis caused by asbestos?

Asbestosis is a chronic fibrotic lung disease that results from the long-term inhalation of respirable asbestos fibers. Silicosis is a respiratory disease caused by inhalation of silica dust that leads to inflammation and then scarring of the lung tissue.

What are the three types of silicosis?

There are three major types of silicosis: acute, chronic, and accelerated.

• Acute Silicosis occurs after a few months or as long as 2 years after exposures to extremely high concentrations.
• Chronic Silicosis is the most common, and occurs after 15–20 years of moderate to low exposures.

What workers get silicosis?

There are 3 types of silicosis: acute, chronic, and accelerated. Silicosis occurs in people who work in mines, foundries, sandblasting, and glass manufacturing. About 2 million US workers are potentially exposed to silica at work. There is no cure for silicosis, but it can be prevented.

How is silicosis prevented?

Can Silicosis Be Prevented?

1. Use blasting cabinets or proper ventilation.
2. Use wet methods to cut, chip, or grind materials.
3. Swap blasting material that contains silica for other types.
4. Use respirators that protect you from inhaling silica.
5. Don’t eat or drink near silica dust.
6. Wash your hands and face before you eat.

Who is at risk for silicosis?

Who is at risk for silicosis? Factory, mine, and masonry workers are at the greatest risk for silicosis because they deal with silica in their work. People who work in the following industries are at greatest risk: asphalt manufacturing.

What illness can you get from asbestos?

Asbestosis (as-bes-TOE-sis) is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Prolonged exposure to these fibers can cause lung tissue scarring and shortness of breath. Asbestosis symptoms can range from mild to severe, and usually don’t appear until many years after continued exposure.

What diseases may be complicated with silicosis?

acute silicosis;

How does silicosis affect the body?

The symptoms of silicosis are shortness of breath that is followed by coughing, difficulty in breathing, and weakness. These symptoms are all related to a fibrosis that reduces the elasticity of the lung.

Can you get silicosis from one exposure?

The risk of developing silicosis depends on the amount of silica dust the worker is exposed to and how often the worker is exposed to the dust. While developing silicosis after only one exposure to silica is rare, it is possible.

Who does silicosis affect?

Silicosis affects the lungs by damaging the lining of the lung’s air sacs, called alveoli. This damage leads to scarring and, in some situations, stiffening of the lung, which makes it difficult to breathe. How serious is Silicosis? Silicosis can cause major lung damage and accounts for more than 100 deaths each year in the United States.