Silicosis, help with silicosis, silicosis lawyers and silicosis claims

Welcome to our silicosis website. We're putting together a number of resources, links and articles that should enable you to discover all you need to know about silicosis, its effects, causes and treatment .

What is Silicosis?

Silicosis is a lung disease, most often occupational, that occurs over time when dust containing silica is inhaled deeply into the lungs. Various other examples of occupational lung disease include asbestosis and coalminer's pneumoconiosis.

What are the causes of Silicosis?

Silica in its crystalline form is highly toxic to the lining of the lungs and when silica crystals come into contact with the lung lining,a heavy inflammation reaction will occur. With prolonged exposure to silica crystals, over time this inflammatory reaction will cause the tissue of the lung to become scarred and irreversibly thickened - a condition known as fibrosis. The most common occupationally known sources of silica dust (in crystal form) include: granite coal sandstone slate and pure silica sand

Who can be affected by Silicosis?

People who work in industries where dust from slate, granite, sandstone, coal and pure silica sand are prevalent, can be affected. Also workers using sandblasting equipment, pottery and foundry workers can also be at risk. Glass, another common form of silica, is much less of a health risk as it isn't as toxic to the lungs. Women are less affected than men, as traditionally men are employed in greater numbers in industries that are more likely to risk exposure to silica. The diagnosis of silicosis is most common amongst the over forties, as typically, it will usually have taken many years of years of continued exposure before the gradual progression of the lung damage causes symptoms that raise concerns in the sufferer. A very encouraging sign is that there are now less than 100 fresh cases of silicosis diagnosed annually In Great Britain. In part this is a direct result of the often maligned health and safety at work act, which has forced the introduction of better working practices, such as wet drilling, improved and adequate ventilation, dust-suppressing facilities, showers and the use of dust masks. Silica sand has also been replaced in many foundries by synthetic alternatives. These measures combined with an increased awareness of the risks of silica exposure, should mean that the number of cases should fall even further in the future.

What are the symptoms of Silicosis?

The lungs main function of supplying oxygen to the blood is impaired when the lung tissue becomes scarred and damaged and they can no longer supply oxygen to the blood as efficiently as they should. The resulting symptoms often include a cough, with or without sputum, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, particularly on exertion. In "chronic silicosis" the most often occurring form of silicosis, these symptoms become apparent over many years and the lung tissue will be permanently damaged by fibrosis, slowly being replaced by the solid nodules commonly associated with scar tissue. Acute silicosis, is a much rarer instance of silicosis and the symptoms of this can occur very quickly and after only relatively short term exposure to (often) very high concentrations of crystalline silica dust. This acute form of silicosis often proves fatal within one year of contracting the illness, as it most often leaves the sufferer's lungs weakened and susceptible to fatal lung infections, in particular tuberculosis. Smokers with silicosis form another particularly at risk group, as smoking can not only exacerbate the symptoms, but can also accelerate the progression of the disease. It is therefore essential that silicosis sufferers seek immediate help in giving up smoking.

How is Silicosis diagnosed?

When silicosis is suspected, a chest x-ray will look for any damaged areas of the lungs to confirm the diagnosis. Lung function tests are often performed to assess the amount of damage the lungs have suffered and to guide treatment.

What's the treatment for Silicosis?

There's no cure for silicosis. However to slow down the progress of the disease it is absolutely essential that an affected individual not only quits smoking, but they must also remove themselves from the risk of further silica inhalation. It's also recommended that they should seek vaccination against common infections such as pneumonia and influenza, to help avert the risk of contracting other lung related illnesses. There are treatments aimed at reducing the inflammation of the lung tissue which can improve the function of the lungs somewhat and home oxygen treatment can be beneficial in treating breathing difficulties.

Silicosis Compensation

In the UK, if you have an occupational lung disease you may be entitled to benefits, or you may be able to take legal action (silicosis action) and claim compensation. To order a claim form, visit your local Jobcentre Plus office or call the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 882200. Further information is available on the Directgov website.

And again, thank you to those contributing daily to our silicosis website.