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1. PNEUMOCONIOSIS
Lung diseases resulting from the
inhalation of dust

2. SILICOSIS
 A lung disease seen in industry in
which individuals are exposed to
quartz/rock dust.
 An old disease even found in
mummies.
 Primarily seen in individuals who work
in rock quarries, slate quarries, and
other industries where quartz dust is
present in respirable size.

3. SILICOSIS IS CAUSED BY:
 The inhalation of free silica (silica
dioxide) crystals.
 Blood cells attack and digest the silica
dioxide which in turn develops silicic
acid.
 The acid in turn kills the blood cells
which also release chemicals which
damages the lungs and leads to
fibrosis.

4. FIBROSIS
 Damaged lung tissue with eventual
formation of fibers.
 Usually named after the associated dust
type:
 Crystalline silica - Silicosis
 Asbestos - Asbestosis
 Coal - Coal miners pneumoconiosis

5. CHARACTERISTICS
 Shortness of breath following physical
exertion.
 Severe cough
 Fatigue
 Loss of appetite
 Chest pains
 Fever

6. SMOKING AND SILICOSIS
 Smoking cigarettes complicates all the
pneumoconiosis diseases.
 Smokers who work around asbestos
have a higher risk of lung cancer.
 Symptoms of silicosis are very similar
to lung cancer and emphysema.

7. IMPORTANT CHANGE
 On October 22, 1996 the International
Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
reclassified crystalline silica as a Class
1 carcinogen or considered to be a
human carcinogen.
 Formerly a Class 2 carcinogen or
probable human carcinogen.

8. NORMAL BODY DEFENSES
 Mucous and hair in respiratory lining
catch many particles of dust.
 Smoking complicates this.
 Coughing expels dust particles.
 The smaller particles go deepest into
the lungs.

9. PRECAUTIONS
 Engineering Controls:
 Water baths
 Ventilation
 Enclosed cabs
 Industrial Hygiene Monitoring
 Wearing of PPE