Silicosis
Silicosis is a type of lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica, a mineral that exists naturally in certain types of rock, soil, and sand. Silicosis is caused when such material is disturbed, displacing dust containing the mineral into the air, which can then be inhaled and trapped in the lungs.
Over time, the tiny particles of silica cause the lungs to become scarred, thick and stiff, eventually leading to respiratory failure. An estimated two million people worldwide suffer from silicosis, and the disease is the second most frequently reported occupational lung disease.
The most common form of silicosis is known as chronic silicosis, and typically takes many years to develop, often only becoming apparent many years after exposure to silica. Acute silicosis on the other hand can occur after a shorter period of exposure, and often in much higher doses.
In the workplace, silica dust is produced from a wide range of activities such as grinding, cutting, sawing, drilling and crushing of stone, concrete, masonry and other materials. These activities can create dust that contains dangerous levels of silica, which can cause silicosis when inhaled. All employers subjected to dust containing silica must observe safety regulations to protect workers from developing silicosis.
In addition to workplace exposure, silicosis can also result from living in areas where hot mineral springs make natural silica dust airborne, as well as from taking up certain hobbies such as rock collecting, lapidary and sand-blasting.
The symptoms of silicosis can vary according to the severity of the illness, but generally include difficulty breathing, chest pains, extreme tiredness and a persistent cough with blood-tinged phlegm.
Silicosis is usually diagnosed with a chest X-ray, which can reveal evidence of lung damage characteristic of the disease. But in some cases, further tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
If detected early, silicosis can often be treated with regular lung check-ups and monitoring, as well as taking medications such as bronchodilators or steroids to help relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation. Unfortunately, since silicosis is a progressive, chronic disease, there is no cure and the only way to manage it is to avoid further exposure to silica dust.
Most cases of silicosis can be prevented if work-related exposure is controlled and proper safety measures are observed. Employers must ensure that workers in high-risk occupations wear protective equipment and take steps to reduce silica dust exposure.
