Silicosis is a lung disease caused by exposure to crystallized silica, which can lead to inflammation, lesions, nodules, fibroids, and lung cancer. There is no cure, so prevention measures such as respirators and water filtration are used to reduce exposure. Government regulations have resulted in fewer cases, but newly industrialized countries may see an increase in cases without proper guidelines.
Silicosis is a lung disease resulting from prolonged and repeated exposure to crystallized silica in the air. Both medical professionals and those working in mines, quarries and foundries have long recognized silicosis. Its current name is attributed to the Visconti and derives from the Latin term silex. Since silica makes up about 12% of the earth’s crust, any occupation that involves working with sand or rock is likely to involve exposure to this mineral.
Repeated exposure to silicon dioxide or crystallized silica causes fine levels of dust to be deposited in the lungs. As more dust settles, the lungs react in different ways. They become inflamed, create lesions and then form nodules and fibroids. There are often no noticeable symptoms for a number of years, so silicosis is often difficult to diagnose at its onset.
As silicosis progresses, however, symptoms begin to occur with varying degrees of severity. Those affected may experience shortness of breath, fever, chest pain, exhaustion and a dry cough. More advanced forms of the disease will show cyanotic mucous membranes and asthma or other breathing difficulties, similar to advanced emphysema.
The disease can also leave the lungs more vulnerable to tuberculosis and has also been linked to the development of autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Since silicosis affects the lungs, it can also affect the vessels leading to the heart, so heart disease and enlargement are common. In the 1990s, silicon dioxide was classified as a known carcinogen, and as such, exposure to silica is now linked to the development of lung cancer.
Computed tomography (CT) and X-rays recognize the lesions and nodules associated with silicosis. Diagnosis is also aided by examining the symptoms of those who may be exposed to silicon dioxide. OSHA recommends testing all associates of a patient with this disease, as even the most benign contact with silica dust can, over time, lead to its development. For example, a drilling operation supervisor who does not actually drill materials may still be at risk if he is on the job site.
There is no cure for silicosis. It is an irreversible condition that can only be addressed by treating the symptoms. Such treatments may include cough syrups, bronchodilators (asthma medications), antibiotics, and anti-tuberculosis drugs. In advanced cases, oxygen is needed to deal with the cyanosis and oxygen deprivation. Additionally, those afflicted are advised to avoid exposure to smoke, any additional silica, and other lung irritants.
Since no proven cure for silicosis has been identified, the emphasis has shifted to prevention. In well-developed countries, workers exposed to silica use special respirators to keep the dust from entering their lungs. Special filters have been developed for drilling equipment and dry mining is infrequent. Anything that can reduce the silica dust content in the air, especially the use of water, is used to make working conditions safer.
Most of the precautions listed have developed due to responsibilities for employers, as well as risk to workers. Silica exposure lawsuits abound. As the West began to industrialize, contracting silicosis was almost a certainty if you worked as a miner or bricklayer.
In 1930, at least 200 workers died after three months of daily exposure to massive amounts of silica during construction of the Hawk’s Nest tunnel in West Virginia. This tragedy received national attention and prompted employers to find safer ways to work the land. Currently, government awareness and regulations are resulting in fewer new cases of silicosis. Unfortunately, many newly industrialized countries skimp on the cost of prevention to the detriment of their workers. These countries will presumably see an increase in the contraction of silicosis until guidelines are developed that protect their workers.
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