Silicosis
Introduction
Source: NHS
In this topic (5)
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.
Once inside the lungs, the dust particles are attacked by the immune system. This causes inflammation (swelling) and gradually leads to areas of hardened and scarred lung tissue (fibrosis). Lung tissue thats scarred in this way does not function properly.
People who work in the following industries are particularly at risk:
- stone masonry and stone cuttingespecially with sandstone
- construction and demolition because of exposure to concrete and
- paving materials
- pottery, ceramics and glass manufacturing
- mining and quarrying
- sand blasting
Articles for Silicosis
How can my GP help?
See your GP if you think there's apossibility you could have silicosis. Your GP may suspecttheconditionafter asking about your symptoms and work history, and listening to your lungs with a stethoscop
Introduction
Silicosis is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling large amounts of crystalline silica dust, usually over many years.
Preventingsilicosis
Silicosis can beprevented by avoiding prolonged exposure to silica dust. In the UK, all workplaces must now comply with The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 , which sets a w
Signs andsymptoms
The symptoms of silicosis usually take many years to develop and you may not notice any problems until after you've stopped working with silica dust. The symptomscan also continue to get worse, even i
Treatingsilicosis
There's no cure for silicosis, as the lung damage cannot be reversed. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. The conditionmay continue to get worse, leading to further lung da
