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Silicosis
Each year, more than 200 worker deaths in America can be attributed to silicosis. Despite not getting much attention in the media, this incurable disease can have devastating effects on the construction worker, whether exposure is long-term or not.
Who's at risk of silicosis?
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, more than 1.7 million workers are exposed to silica dust each year. Primarily at risk are those who workers in sandblasting or other mining related occupations. Several other construction trades may also be impacted, including masonry workers, highway and bridge repair crews, and crews involved with demolition of existing buildings with silica based rock.
Silicosis prevention
Silica can be found in granite, sandstone, pure silica sand, coal, and slate. Workers who are exposed to these types of rocks need to be especially vigilant about safety equipment. Silicosis is preventable if employers will provide and enforce usage of respirator equipment that keeps silica dust from being inhaled. Simply wearing a bandana or other cloth over the mouth and nose will not prevent silica from being inhaled. Depending on the type of work being performed, there are various types of respirators employers can provide.
Silicosis damages the lungs over time, causing inflammation and eventually scarring. Individuals with chronic silicosis may exhibit symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and may even develop other respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis (TB). Those with acute silicosis (short-term exposure to large amounts of silica dust) may be more at risk since the lungs fill with fluid rapidly, possibly causing the patient to “drown” in these fluids. An intermediary group may develop accelerated silicosis, determined when individuals are exposed for fewer than ten years, but more than 5 (source: National Institute of Health).
Silicosis Health Effects
Symptoms of silicosis can be misleading since they mimic other diseases. These include shortness of breath; loss of appetite; and chronic, persistent cough that can be severe. A doctor can make the diagnosis and explore the treatment options available. In order to get an accurate diagnosis, the doctor needs to know the patient's work history and exposure to silica dust.
Since treatment options for silicosis are few, prevention seems to be the best option for workers in at-risk occupations. Doctors are limited since there is no method to reverse the damage to the lungs once it occurs. Screenings for TB need to be done on a yearly basis, either through a skin prick test or through a chest x-ray (usually performed after a positive skin test). Patients may be given cough suppressants, bronchodilators, and other supportive treatments to slow the progression of the lung disease.
Silicosis prognosis
Depending on the type of silicosis, the prognosis varies. Those with acute silicosis are much more likely to face respiratory failure or even death since the disease advances so rapidly and the damage is severe. Chronic silicosis sufferers find that the damage to the lungs is not as severe at first; however, there is risk for future problems due to infection and other respiratory diseases. In general, prognosis for chronic silicosis is generally good. In order to stay healthy, individuals with silicosis are advised to stop smoking, stay away from crowds where infection can be transmitted more readily, get vaccinations on schedule (such as flu and pneumonia), and keep in touch with their doctor on a regular basis. Exercise always helps, depending on a person's level of health and ability (source: Dr. Joseph F. Smith Medical Library).
Author: Sandra Ray
Last Update: 04/05/2005
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