Health: Silicosis


 
One of the oldest and most dangerous occupational diseases worldwide, silicosis is a type of cystic fibrosis that develops when silica dust particles become trapped in the lungs and form breathing-restricting nodules. These nodules, or scar tissue, handicap the lungs' air sacs, inhibiting the flow of oxygen to and from the lungs. Miners, sandblasters, concrete laborers, and anyone who routinely works or has worked around silica is at risk for exposure.

Causes of Silicosis

Silicosis is caused by exposure to silica dust, which is released during the mining of slate, flint, coal, granite, sandstone, and quartz. Silica dust is composed of flakes from free crystalline silica, one of the earth's most abundant and deadly natural minerals. When inhaled, silica dust wreaks havoc on the lungs, spurring the development of silicosis and other debilitative lung diseases such as sarquodosis, silico-tuberculosis, and a myriad of autoimmune diseases.

Symptoms of Silicosis

Though largely preventable, silicosis is irreversible and deadly, and it can take more than 20 years to surface in someone who has been exposed to silica dust. Although it is marked by symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and weakness, this asbestos-related disease can usually be diagnosed only through a chest x-ray.


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1 comment:

Porter Malouf said...

Hi,
It was a nice blog you have done great research on silicosis, However, you have missed the types of silicosis, I would like to add up a few more lines related to types of silicosis.

Accelerated Silicosis: This version of silicosis can occur after five to ten years of high exposure to silica dust. This form of silicosis causes fluid to accumulate in the lungs, as well as inflammation, which compromises the lungs’ ability to oxygenate the blood. Symptoms include weakness, weight loss, and shortness of breath.

Chronic Silicosis: This most prevalent version of silicosis develops after 15-20 years of low or medium levels of exposure to silica dust. Symptoms will not always be apparent, so workers exposed to silica at these levels should receive a chest X-ray to assess any lung damage. As this version of silicosis advances, symptoms include shortness of breath during exertion and clinical signs of poor oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange. In advanced stages, symptoms include respiratory failure, acute shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain.

Acute Silicosis: Although exposure to silica with this type of silicosis can be relatively brief, the volume of silica particles to which the individual is exposed is extremely high. The condition will occur from a few months up to two years after exposure. Symptoms include weight loss, extreme disabling shortness of breath, weakness, and often death.

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