Understanding Occupational Silicosis

If you have ever worked in construction, shipbuilding, sandblasting, roofing, mining, or other similar occupations, you know that these are dusty working environments. Silica dust is one of the most common types of airborne dust in these work environments. While you may not realize it, exposure to silica dust can harm your lungs over time and lead to dangerous conditions like silicosis.

Many people do not realize the danger of silica dust. The tiny particles may just seem like part of the job, and many workers don’t realize the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE). In reality, working around silica dust compromises your lungs and can eventually lead to respiratory failure or even the need for a lung transplant.

Our sister site, Silicosis Help, offers a great deal of information for readers who may be affected by silicosis or exposure to silica dust. Below, we provide an overview, but be sure to visit their page “What is Silicosis” for more information.

What is Silicosis?

Silicosis is a progressive lung disease that develops after intense or prolonged exposure to silica dust. If you work around silica dust and don’t have adequate PPE, you are breathing in tiny particles of dust. These tiny particles enter the lungs and become lodged in the soft tissue.

Over time, nodules and inflammation occur around the particles. This can lead to fluid building up in the lungs, stiffening of the lungs and permanent damage.

The symptoms of silicosis may not be immediately apparent. In fact, most people are diagnosed many years after exposure. Because the disease is progressive, by the time a diagnosis is made, the patient already has an advanced form of the disease. The most common symptoms of silicosis are:

• Chest pain
• Weight loss
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Edema (swollen legs)
• Blue lips
• Persistent cough

Because these symptoms are also symptoms of other conditions, it is important to talk to your doctor if you have a history of working around silica dust. Your work and medical history, along with your symptoms, can help your doctor make a diagnosis and provide treatment options.

Do You Have Silicosis?

If you have a silicosis diagnosis, you may be unsure of what to do next. The fact is that silicosis is 100% preventable. State and federal guidelines require employers to monitor potentially hazardous work environments for the presence of silica dust. They are also required to provide adequate PPE to prevent exposure.

Sadly, when employers don’t follow guidelines and employees are not properly trained to recognize risk, people get sick.

If you have silicosis, take some time to explore your situation and legal rights. If your illness is the result of occupational exposure, you may be eligible to pursue compensation. At National Injury Center, our lawyers can review the details of your situation and determine if you have a silicosis claim.

Contact us to learn more by filling out our online form. Our consultations are completely FREE, so you can learn about your rights with no obligation.