Silicosis: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Silicosis?
Silicosis,
an occupational lung disease, is caused by inhalation
of silica dust. This respiratory disease is caused by
the inhalation of crystalline silica (a component of silica
dust), which leads to inflammation of the lung tissue. This
inflammation leads to scar tissue formation on the lungs,
also known as nodules, which obstruct the flow of oxygen into
the lungs and into the bloodstream.
What is crystalline silica?
Silica, or silicon
dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral that is composed
of one silicon atom and two oxygen atoms. When silica molecules
line up and create a repeating pattern they form a crystal
(crystalline silica). Different crystal patterns are given
different names; the most common is quartz. Silica is a major
component of sand and granite.
What are the health effects of Silicosis?
Health
effects of silicosis include shortness of breath, coughing,
chest pain, fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. In addition
to these symptoms, silicosis patients are at an increased
risk for tuberculosis,
heart disease, lung
cancer, and connective tissue disease.
How can I be exposed to silica dust?
Silica
exposure occurs when dust that contains crystalline silica
particles is inhaled. Silica exposure most often occurs in
people who work in construction, mining, sandblasting, stonecutting,
abrasives manufacturing, and in people who work with glass,
pottery, and on railroads.
What can I do to prevent Silicosis?
Although there is no cure for silicosis, it can be prevented
with occupational
safety measures. There has been a marked decrease in the
number of silicosis cases since the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) implemented regulations that
require the use of protective equipment when working with
silica dust.
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