SILICOSIS : COMMONEST OCCUPATIONAL LUNG DISEASE

Silicosis is a disease of lungs which which caused by inhalation of silica dust . Silica dust enters the lungs and cause silicosis . It is the commonest occupational lung disease . People of certain professions are more prone to silicosis like mine workers , making mud utensils and ceramic workers. Huge amount of silica dust results in development of silicosis within an year while slow inhalation may result in the disease in 15-20 years .

CAUSES

Silica dust

Occupational factors

Mining

Making mud utensils

Sand blasting

Stone cutting

Abrasive manufacturing

Enviornmental factors

Smoky environment

Smoking

SIGNS

Cough

Fatigue

Difficulty in breathing

Fever

Cracks in the nails

Increased risk of catching tuberculosis

PREVENTION

Avoid silica dust

Control of silica dust by dry air filtering or water spray

Stopping smoking in people who are exposed to silica dust

Use of mask by those people who are exposed to silica dust