Acute Silicosis Causes & Risks

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Acute Silicosis Guide

Alison Beaver
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Alison Beaver Guide

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Causes

Crystalline silica can be found in:

  • Concrete
  • Masonry
  • Sandstone
  • Rock
  • Paint
  • Other abrasives
  • Soil
  • Mortar
  • Plaster
  • Shingles
When these materials are cut, broken, crushed, drilled, ground, or blasted, silica dust may be produced.

When silica dust gets into the air you breathe, it may become trapped in your lungs. The dust builds up damages your lungs. More dust will create more damage. This will make it hard for you to breathe.

Pathway to Lungs

Respiratory Pathway
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

Risk Factors

Working in the following occupations increases your chance of acute silicosis:

  • Sandblasting (the most common cause of acute silicosis)
  • Construction
  • Wrecking and demolition
  • Abrasive blasting
  • Masonry
  • Concrete finishing
  • Drywall finishing
  • Rock drilling
  • Stone milling or cutting
  • Mining
  • Sand and gravel screening
  • Rock crushing (for road base)
  • Agriculture
  • Ceramics, clay, pottery
  • Glass manufacturing
  • Vitreous enameling of china plumbing fixtures
  • Manufacturing of soaps and detergents
  • Shipyards, railroads

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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