Am I at Risk For Silicosis?

No matter how advanced technology gets, there will always be a need for people to work with the most basic elements of the Earth. One of those elements is called Silica, and it is the second most abundant compound in the Earth's crust. If you've worked with stone, dirt, glass, or sand, then tyou have definitely worked with Silica.

If Silica is so abundant, and there is a illness related to it called Silicosis, then wouldn't this be one of the most prevalent disorders on the planet?

Luckily the answer is no, and this article will explain how you get Silicosis, who might be at risk, and what you can do from a legal standpoint.

What is Silicosis?

Silicosis is a problem that occurs in the lungs when you inhale too much Silica. This inhalation occurs when Silica is ground up into a fine powder and mixed in with the gases we breath.

When the Silica particles enter the lungs, they become lodged in the gas exchange portion of the organ. As a reaction against this foreign body, the lungs develop scar tissue in order to try and isolate and protect the rest of the body from exposure. Over time, this scar tissue builds up, obstructs respiration, and becomes Silicosis.

Am I at Risk for Silicosis?

If you work in an industry that processes Earth in some fashion, it's important to know the details of Silicosis.

Miners are the most at-risk individuals as they are surrounded by the element Silica as it is imbedded in the Earth. This fact alone wouldn't cause the problem, but miners are often engaged in drilling, digging, blasting, etc. All of which stirs up and grinds the silica into a dangerous powder.

Other individuals who might be at risk include foundry workers, stone cutters, masons, sand blasters, and glass cutters.

If you fit one of these job descriptions, or something similar, be certain to maximize your knowledge about Silicosis.

Are There Telltale Silicosis Symptoms?

Unfortunately, most of the symptoms involved with diagnosing Silicosis are rather vague. These can include shortness of breath, fever, coughing, and pain in the chest.

One rather unusual symptom is Cyanosis, which is when the skin takes on a slightly blue hue. Unfortunately this occurs in later stages of the illness and doesn't help as much as early diagnosis.

Silicosis Types and Exposure Length

As exposure varies, so do the types of Silicosis. The most common form is known as 'Chronic', and develops over 10-15 years. This gradual progression can be hard to detect by patients and is often attributed to other problems.

The next type is referred to as accelerated, and occurs only after a few years. This occurs when a patient is exposed to higher doses of Silica, but not an abusively large amount.

The final type is acute, and occurs from significant blasts of exposure. The symptoms of acute Silicosis develop rapidly, and can take effect after months or a single year.

Legal Recourse

It's important for you to assess your possible exposure to Silica dust. If you think you may have been exposed, then you should consult your doctor and pay attention to possible symptoms.

Next you have to decide if over-exposure was due to negligence or poor decision making by your place of employment (or whatever specific situation occurred in order to create your exposure). If you think you may have a case, consult an expert in your area that is experienced in Silicosis and medical oriented legal cases.