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What is it about ?
Inhalation of mineral dust causes chronic fibrosis of the lung called pneumoconiosis. We are talking
- asbestosis when it is due to asbestos fibers;
- silicosis when it is due to silica dust (crystalline silica, found in fine sand, quartz and slate). This mineral occurs in its pure form in quartz, cristobalite and tridymite. It is also found in materials which contain a mixture of different minerals and which are used in particular in construction as well as for the manufacture of pots and glass.
When entering the lungs, these substances cause an inflammatory reaction causing the lung tissue to be replaced by scar tissue (pulmonary fibrosis). Over time, the amount of available lung tissue decreases, and the lungs are no longer able to pass oxygen to the blood.
There are forms of pneumoconiosis:
- An acute, rare form, which already occurs a few weeks to a few months after exposure;
- A chronic form, which does not cause problems until 10 to 20 years after exposure.
Where do we meet her?
Exposure to silica dust occurs in the following occupational sectors:
- Mines, quarries, stonework, construction and foundry;
- The manufacture of glass, porcelain, enamel, clay and stone products;
- Sandblasting and grinding;
- The production and dismantling of refractory materials;
- Construction: demolition of old structures for renovation, dry grinding and cleaning.
Silicosis is recognized as a occupational disease. You will find the criteria for compensation on this website.
How to recognize it?
Most often, the disease is not detected for a long time. The main symptoms are dry cough and shortness of breath. At first, they appear during heavy exertion, and later also with light exertion and even at rest. Wheezing or rattling is possible.
How is the diagnosis made?
In all people who have been exposed (for a long time) to silica dust and have respiratory symptoms, the doctor will suspect silicosis. He hears typical abnormalities on auscultation of the lungs. The x-ray of the lungs also shows typical lesions. In the pulmonary function test, the pulmonologist determines what is left of the lung capacity and to what extent the lung function is reduced. In doubtful cases, a biopsy is carried out: a piece of the lung is taken for an additional examination.
People with silicosis are at greater risk of developing tuberculosis or lung cancer. The doctor will therefore pay particular attention to it. You may need to have a CT scan or MRI.
What can you do ?
Prevention is essential, namely avoiding breathing silica dust. This is possible in particular by controlling dust in the workplace and wearing a protective mask.
Any employee who works in a risky environment must pass a medical examination with the occupational health service before starting work. Then, every 3 years, he has to have a medical exam, a chest x-ray and a lung function test. If any abnormalities are noted, the worker is referred to a pulmonologist.
What can your doctor do?
There is no cure for silicosis. The only solution is to leave the workplace. The pulmonologist will prescribe puffs or inhalers in the hope that this will help you breathe easier.
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