Silicosis: Is occupational pneumoconiosis (the

Silicosis is occupational pneumoconiosis (the general term for a class of interstitial lung diseases where inhalation of dust has caused interstitial fibrosis) caused by inhalation of crystalline silicon dioxide. Silica is in quartz, sand, stone, soil, granite, brick, cement, grout, mortar, bitumen and engineered stone products. This disease is one of several well-described pulmonary complications associated with toxic exposures in the workplace. [1] Any occupation disturbing the earth’s ... Silicosis is a type of pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica, a common mineral found in sand, quartz and many other types of rock. Silicosis mainly affects workers exposed to silica dust in jobs such as construction and mining. Silicosis is the world's most prevalent occupational lung disease and is characterized by irreversible, progressive pulmonary fibrosis leading to restrictive lung disease. Silicosis is a preventable disease with significant morbidity and mortality that has no cure. Silicosis, particularly the acute form, is characterized by shortness of breath, cough, fever, and cyanosis (bluish skin). It may often be misdiagnosed as pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), pneumonia, or tuberculosis. Using workplace controls, silicosis is almost always a preventable disease. [5]