| Have You Been Diagnosed With Silicosis? |
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Silicosis has been recognized as a disease since the 1600s and is the oldest known occupational lung disease. Crystalline silica has been classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for the Research on Cancer. Silica particles that are inhaled and reach the lungs are invisible to the naked eye. Once silica particles make their way to the lungs, there is no practical way to remove them. The human body sends its natural defense mechanisms to attack the silica particles. However, the silica particles kill the body's defense mechanisms, and this creates scar tissue or fibrosis in the lungs. Workers At Risk It is estimated that over 3 million workers in the United States are exposed to silica dust. Persons who have worked or are working in the following areas are at risk for silicosis:
Symptoms of Silicosis In the early stages of silicosis, symptoms are rarely present at all. The first noticeable sign is typically a dry, nonproductive cough that will last throughout the morning. Continued exposure to silica dust may result in a shortness of breath when exercising, possible fever and occasionally bluish skin at the ear lobes or lips. Silicosis makes a person more susceptible to infectious diseases of the lungs, such as tuberculosis. Progression of silicosis leads to fatigue, extreme shortness of breath, loss of appetite, pains in the chest and respiratory failure, which may cause death. Generally, symptoms of silicosis include any of the following:
Diagnosing Silicosis The most common form of silicosis might not be detected for 10-35 years after a worker's initial exposure. Silicosis can be detected by a simple chest x-ray. Silicosis is generally found on the upper lobes of the lungs and has a nodular appearance on x-ray. In advanced stages of silicosis, the nodules may join together at which time the appearance is often referred to as "conglomeration." Lung function tests may be helpful, but usually not until the late stages. Types of Silicosis Silicosis generally is classified as simple/chronic, complicated/chronic, accelerated or acute. Chronic silicosis can be either simple/chronic silicosis or complicated/chronic silicosis, a distinction based on the chest x-rays and the length of exposure to silica. Simple/Chronic Silicosis: results from long-term exposure (more than 20 years) to low amounts of silica dust. Nodules of chronic inflammation and scarring provoked by the silica dust form in the lungs and chest lymph nodes. Shortness of breath is common, and silicosis may resemble chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Complicated/Chronic Silicosis: in addition to the symptoms of simple/chronic silicosis, dyspnea and productive cough are present and often accompanied by malaise and weight loss. Accelerated Silicosis: occurs after exposure to larger amounts of silica over a shorter period of time (4-8 years). Inflammation, scarring and symptoms progress faster in accelerated silicosis than in simple/chronic silicosis. Acute Silicosis: results from short-term exposure to very large amounts of silica. The lungs become very inflamed and may fill with fluid, causing severe shortness of breath and low blood oxygen levels. Acute silicosis follows massive exposure to dust in unregulated environments. Medical Complications There is no cure for silicosis, and it is a progressive disease. It may increase the risk of contracting lung cancer, tuberculosis, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythmatosis. Crystalline silica has been classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for the Research on Cancer. Workers exposed to silica dust are often exposed to asbestos as well, and many will develop asbestos lung diseases, including a rare lung disease called mesothelioma. The damage suffered by the lungs leaves a person susceptible to lung infections, and to tuberculosis in particular. In the winter, immunization against influenza ("flu") is recommended. Sufferers should also have a vaccination against pneumococcal infection, a very common cause of pneumonia. Treatment to reduce inflammation and improve lung function may help. Home oxygen therapy can be provided when needed to help with breathing difficulties. Protection From Silica Silicosis is 100% preventable with properly working protective equipment and a reduction or removal in the use of crystalline silica. Many individuals who work in high-risk areas for silicosis, such as miners and sandblasters, can be protected from silicosis by means of respirators, gas masks, and other equipment that is properly designed, fitted to the user and intended to prevent crystalline silica from being respired. Disposable paper dust masks, however, will not protect the silica worker or sandblaster from crystalline silica dust that causes silicosis. Furthermore, respirators should not be used as the primary means of preventing or minimizing exposures to airborne contaminants. Instead, substitution of non-crystalline silica products, using automation, enclosed systems, local exhaust ventilation, wet methods and good work practices should be the primary means of protecting workers. Legal Rights If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with silicosis or you believe that due to your employment that you have been exposed to free silica dust, then call us to discuss what can be done to protect your legal rights and whether or not you have possible silicosis based lawsuit. Reich & Binstock is currently engaged in silicosis litigation throughout the nation and is continuing to accept potential cases. |
Silicosis is an incurable pulmonary disease that is caused by exposure to crystalline silica that is created when sand, clay, rock, concrete, masonry, sheetrock and other materials containing crystalline silica are turned into fine dust particles.