Silicosis:
Researchers warned that silicosis could become as big a health problem as exposure to asbestos.
- Silicosis is a respiratory disease which causes a hardening of the lungs.
- It is caused by silica dust or silica crystals, which are found in soil, sand, concrete, mortar, granite and artificial stone.
- It is common in construction, mining, oil and gas extraction, kitchen engineering, dentistry, pottery and sculpting.
- People working in these industries are often exposed to silica every day and are at higher risk of developing silicosis as a result.
- It can take a long time for silicosis to develop — typically 10 to 20 years of occupational exposure to silica dust.
- The main symptoms of silicosis are: a persistent cough, persistent shortness of breath weakness and tiredness etc.
- Silicosis is a progressive disease and has no cure.
