Silicosis Lung Disease
Silicosis is a pulmonary disease caused by inhalation of
crystalline silica, which is basically dust. As a result of
this inhalation, the lungs develop scarring and fibrotic nodules
around the silica particles, making breathing extremely difficult.
Silicosis is incurable, and can be fatal. Research shows that
silicosis can also lead to other forms of lung disease such
as tuberculosis. Additionally, there is medical evidence that
silica exposure can cause lung cancer.
Miners, construction workers and refinery workers are considered
high-risk candidates for silicosis. The most common duties
in which workers can be exposed to crystalline silica are
as follows:
• Sandblasting using silica sand
• Pressurized air blowing or dry sweeping of concrete, rock
or sand dust
• Chipping, drilling and hammering of rock at quarries or
tunneling sites
• Crushing, loading, hauling and dumping of rock
There are three major types of silicosis:
Chronic silicosis
Usually develops when
the worker is exposed to low concentrations of silica for
several years. Symptoms may not occur until ten or more
years after exposure.
Accelerated silicosis
Usually develops when
the worker is exposed to high concentrations of silica for
a few to several years. Symptoms may not occur until five
to ten years after exposure.
Acute silicosis
Usually develops when the
worker is exposed to the highest concentrations of silica
for a few weeks or more. Symptoms may occur within a few
weeks to a few years after exposure.
It is estimated that more than three million workers are
exposed to crystalline silica at their worksites, and approximately
ten percent of those are high-risk candidates for silicosis.
According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration),
silicosis is 100% preventable by using the proper safety equipment
such as respirators and gas masks. Unfortunately, many employers
take limited safety measures, and provide substandard safety
equipment to their employees. As a result, lawsuits are being
fined against employers, the manufacturers of substandard
safety equipment, and the manufacturers of crystalline silica
products.
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with silicosis,
it may be possible to obtain a cash award from your employer
or manufacturer(s) at fault. Please fill out our Case Review
Contact Form to the right on this page to find out what your
case is worth.
