Silicosis is a type of occupational lung disease caused by exposure to silica. As it is incurable, public awareness and prevention is very important in early diagnosis and management of silicosis. This article gives an overview about silicosis including its causes, diagnosis, symptoms and management. Silica is a naturally occurring crystal commonly used in many industrial applications. Silica dust is formed mainly during mining and quarrying, hence workers from these industries get affected the most.
Workers at road and building construction sites as well as glass workers and sand-blasters are also exposed to silica as it is a main part of sand. Silica is odorless and non-irritant which makes its exposure go unnoticed. Silicosis is a progressive lung disease with symptoms like cough, fever, shortness of breath and bluish skin. Several countries all over the globe have started programs…
