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Acute Silicosis by Krisha McCoy, MS

Definition

Silicosis is a lung disease. It is caused by breathing dust that contains crystalline silica. In acute silicosis, the disease occurs after just weeks or months of exposure to very high levels of the silica. This is a serious condition. Contact your doctor immediately if you think you may have it.

Causes

Crystalline silica can be found in:

Concrete
Masonry
Sandstone
Rock
Paint
Other abrasives
Soil
Mortar
Plaster
Shingles

When these materials are cut, broken, crushed, drilled, ground, or blasted, silica dust may be produced.

When silica dust gets into the air you breathe, it may become trapped in your lungs. The dust builds up damages your lungs. More dust will create more damage. This will make it hard for you to breathe.

Pathway to Lungs

Risk Factors

Working in the following occupations increases your chance of acute silicosis:

Sandblasting (the most common cause of acute silicosis)
Construction
Wrecking and demolition
Abrasive blasting
Masonry
Concrete finishing
Drywall finishing
Rock drilling
Stone milling or cutting
Mining
Sand and gravel screening
Rock crushing (for road base)
Agriculture
Ceramics, clay, pottery
Glass manufacturing
Vitreous enameling of china plumbing fixtures
Manufacturing of soaps and detergents
Shipyards, railroads

Symptoms

Symptoms may appear within a few weeks to two years after exposure. If you experience any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to this condition. These may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your doctor:

Shortness of breath
Severe cough
Weakness
Fever
Weight loss
Night sweats
Chest pains
Respiratory failure

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. You will also be asked about your work history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include the following:

Chest x-ray —to look for abnormalities in your lungs
Pulmonary function tests —to look for problems with your lung function
Tests for tuberculosis (TB)—since people with silicosis are susceptible to developing TB

Peak Flow Meter—Pulmonary Function Test

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for silicosis. If you have acute silicosis, you will be advised to avoid additional exposure. Your doctor may also treat other conditions associated with acute silicosis. These may include heart disease and TB. You will also be advised to stop smoking .

Prevention

If your job puts you at risk of being exposed to silica dust, take the following steps to help prevent silicosis:

Avoid working in dust whenever possible.
Use water sprays and ventilation when working in confined structures. (eg, wet dust with a water hose, use saws and drills that add water)
If applicable, wear your respirator designed for protection against crystalline silica. You cannot have a beard or mustache if you use a tight-fitting respiratory. Your employer may provide the mask.
Take advantage of health screenings offered by your employer.
Practice good personal hygiene in the workplace.
Do not eat, drink, or use tobacco near dusty areas.
After exposure to dust, wash your hands before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Park your car where it will not become contaminated.
Shower and change before leaving work.

RESOURCES:

Nationals Institute for Occupational Safety and Health http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety http://www.ccohs.ca/
Canadian Lung Association http://www.lung.ca/

References:

Silicosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Accessed November 28, 2006.
Silicosis: learn the facts! National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/elcosh/docs/d0600/d000600/d000600.html . Accessed November 28, 3006.
What physicians need to know about occupational silicosis and silica exposure sources. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov . Accessed November 28, 3006.

Last reviewed [Under Medical Review] by Tajender S. Vasu, MD

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