Silica Exposure Leading to Silicosis

Silicosis is an occupational lung disease caused by silica exposure, or, more specifically, silica inhalation. Silica, also known as crystalline silica, is a naturally occurring mineral that forms a crystal pattern. Quartz is the most well known type of crystalline silica.

Silica Exposure

Exposure to crystalline silica occurs when silica dust is inhaled. Silica inhalation causes inflammation of the lungs and the formation of scar tissue, which hinders the flow of oxygen from the lungs into the bloodstream. People who work in the following fields are at particular risk for silica exposure:

Sandblasting
Construction
Mining
Stonecutting
Abrasives manufacturing
Glass and pottery manufacturing

Types of Silicosis

There are three types of silicosis:

Acute silicosis - occurs due to short-term exposure to extremely elevated amounts of silica
Chronic silicosis - occurs due to exposure to large amounts of silica over a period of approximately five to ten years
Accelerated silicosis - occurs due to long-term exposure (10-20 years) to small amounts of silica

Increased Risk for Other Health Problems

Patients who suffer from silicosis are also at an increased risk for other diseases or conditions, including:

Tuberculosis
Lung cancer
Heart disease
Connective tissue disease - including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
Chronic bronchitis

Find the Help You Need to File a Silicosis Lawsuit

If you have developed silicosis due to silica inhalation, you may be legally entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other expenses and losses. Contact an attorney experienced in chemical exposure litigation for more information.