Silicosis (classical)

Definition:

A fibrotic respiratory disease caused from inhalation of silica.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The risk factors include mining, stone cutting, quarrying, blasting, road and building construction, abrasives manufacturing, and many other occupations and hobbies that involve exposure to silica. Intense exposure to silica may result in disease in a year or less, but it usually takes at least 10 or 15 years of exposure before symptoms develop. The incidence is 5 out of 10,000 people. However, the incidence of silicosis is decreasing due to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations requiring the use of protective equipment.