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Silicosis
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<h2 id="signs-and-symptoms">Signs and symptoms</h2> <p>Because chronic silicosis is slow to develop, signs and symptoms may not appear until years after exposure.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:10" href="#fn:10"><sup>10</sup></a> Signs and symptoms include: </p> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Dyspnea/1jBfFzxU">Dyspnea</a> (shortness of breath) exacerbated by exertion</li> <li>Cough, often persistent and sometimes severe</li> <li><a href="/facts/Fatigue_(medical)/C2oo4Hvg">Fatigue</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Tachypnea/G220HYhe">Tachypnea</a> (rapid breathing) which is often labored</li> <li>Loss of appetite and weight loss</li> <li>Chest pain</li> <li>Fever</li> <li>Gradual darkening of skin (blue skin)</li> <li>Gradual dark shallow rifts in nails eventually leading to cracks as protein fibers within nail beds are destroyed</li></ul> <p>In advanced cases, the following may also occur: </p> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Cyanosis/V7ynzIjn">Cyanosis</a>, <a href="/facts/Pallor/bHpLxohY">pallor</a> along upper parts of body (blue skin)</li> <li><a href="/facts/Cor_pulmonale/BHrADnXe">Cor pulmonale</a> (right <a href="/facts/Ventricle_(heart)/FCzV1xm7">ventricle</a> heart disease)</li> <li>Respiratory insufficiency</li></ul> <p>Patients with silicosis are particularly susceptible to <a href="/facts/Tuberculosis/ggPyovAl">tuberculosis</a> (TB) infection—known as silicotuberculosis. The reason for the increased risk—3 fold increased incidence—is not well understood. It is thought that silica damages pulmonary <a href="/facts/Macrophages/z7hkQu3o">macrophages</a>, inhibiting their ability to kill <a href="/facts/Mycobacteria/mLn82Axu">mycobacteria</a>. Even workers with prolonged silica exposure, but without silicosis, are at a similarly increased risk for TB.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:11" href="#fn:11"><sup>11</sup></a> </p><p>Pulmonary complications of silicosis also include chronic bronchitis and airflow limitation (indistinguishable from that caused by smoking), non-tuberculous <i>Mycobacterium</i> infection, fungal lung infection, <a href="/facts/Compensatory_emphysema/4F8xHVMl">compensatory emphysema</a>, and <a href="/facts/Pneumothorax/oaCPSynh">pneumothorax</a>. There are some data revealing an association between silicosis and certain <a href="/facts/Autoimmune_diseases/sojBeQ7t">autoimmune diseases</a>, including <a href="/facts/Nephritis/RTgWF0bA">nephritis</a>, <a href="/facts/Scleroderma/GdGjCVCF">scleroderma</a>, and <a href="/facts/Systemic_lupus_erythematosus/kfHYawre">systemic lupus erythematosus</a>, especially in acute or accelerated silicosis.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:12" href="#fn:12"><sup>12</sup></a> </p><p>In 1996, the <a href="/facts/International_Agency_for_Research_on_Cancer/Pb8KPyTz">International Agency for Research on Cancer</a> (IARC) reviewed the medical data and classified crystalline silica as "<a href="/facts/Carcinogenic/soH8Y9CE">carcinogenic</a> to humans." The risk was best seen in cases with underlying silicosis, with relative risks for lung cancer of 2–4. Numerous subsequent studies have been published confirming this risk. In 2006, Pelucchi et al. concluded, "The silicosis-cancer association is now established, in agreement with other studies and meta-analysis."<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:13" href="#fn:13"><sup>13</sup></a> </p> <h2 id="pathophysiology">Pathophysiology</h2> <p>When small silica dust <a href="/facts/Particulates/RleGr5E6">particles</a> are inhaled, they can embed themselves deeply into the tiny <a href="/facts/Pulmonary_alveolus/aEHP1ATT">alveolar sacs</a> and ducts in the lungs, where oxygen and carbon dioxide gases are exchanged. There, the lungs cannot clear out the dust by mucus or coughing. </p><p>When fine particles of crystalline silica dust are deposited in the lungs, <a href="/facts/Macrophage/z7hkQu3o">macrophages</a> that ingest the dust particles will set off an <a href="/facts/Inflammation/Ura86MIy">inflammatory</a> response by releasing <a href="/facts/Tumor_necrosis_factors/5G0MA0dG">tumor necrosis factors</a>, <a href="/facts/Interleukin-1/dSToCWMd">interleukin-1</a>, <a href="/facts/Leukotriene_B4/2c10wLfL">leukotriene B4</a> and other <a href="/facts/Cytokine/SdWpWABH">cytokines</a>. In turn, these stimulate <a href="/facts/Fibroblast/n08KsFll">fibroblasts</a> to proliferate and produce collagen around the silica particle, thus resulting in <a href="/facts/Fibrosis/VVSmVgr3">fibrosis</a> and the formation of the nodular lesions. The inflammatory effects of crystalline silica are apparently mediated by the <a href="/facts/NLRP3/6z5AIMjU">NLRP3</a> <a href="/facts/Inflammasome/pUt8Fgpr">inflammasome</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:14" href="#fn:14"><sup>14</sup></a> </p><p>Characteristic lung tissue pathology in nodular silicosis consists of fibrotic <a href="/facts/Nodule_(medicine)/BgCs3GNE">nodules</a> with concentric "onion-skinned" arrangement of <a href="/facts/Collagen/KsyAb72K">collagen</a> fibers, central <a href="/facts/Hyalinization/p0bMMd6L">hyalinization</a>, and a cellular peripheral zone, with lightly <a href="/facts/Birefringent/J4lLuR3a">birefringent</a> particles seen under <a href="/facts/Polarized_light/fP33m0eD">polarized light</a>. The silicotic nodule represents a specific tissue response to crystalline silica.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:15" href="#fn:15"><sup>15</sup></a> In acute silicosis, microscopic pathology shows a <a href="/facts/Periodic_acid-Schiff_stain/336qzDrv">periodic acid-Schiff</a> positive alveolar <a href="/facts/Exudate/rUTezxQy">exudate</a> (alveolar lipoproteinosis) and a cellular infiltrate of the alveolar walls.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:16" href="#fn:16"><sup>16</sup></a> </p> <h3>Silica</h3> <p class="note">Main article: <a href="/facts/Silicon_dioxide/A3WILp6J">Silicon dioxide</a></p> <p><a href="/facts/Silicon/cgWx0hdr">Silicon</a> (Si) is the second most common element in the <a href="/facts/Earth%2527s_crust/VSy2u31r">Earth's crust</a> after <a href="/facts/Oxygen/acyn6o8r">oxygen</a>. The compound <a href="/facts/Silica/A3WILp6J">silica</a>, also known as silicon dioxide (SiO2), is formed from silicon and oxygen atoms. Since oxygen and silicon make up about 75% of the Earth's crust, the compound silica is quite common. It is found in many rocks, such as <a href="/facts/Granite/G2evuVKo">granite</a>, <a href="/facts/Sandstone/RP8B6fqL">sandstone</a>, <a href="/facts/Gneiss/rUJYgBHu">gneiss</a> and <a href="/facts/Slate/hSVHL6Lj">slate</a>, and in some metallic ores. Silica can be a main component of sand. It can also be in soil, mortar, plaster, and shingles. The cutting, breaking, crushing, drilling, grinding, or abrasive blasting of these materials may produce fine to ultra fine airborne silica dust. </p><p>Silica occurs in three forms: <a href="/facts/Crystalline/e2R2mk3E">crystalline</a>, <a href="/facts/Microcrystalline/5z8xALpK">microcrystalline</a> (or <a href="/facts/Cryptocrystalline/4vlIFIzv">cryptocrystalline</a>) and <a href="/facts/Amorphous/YTIzmrR0">amorphous</a> (non-crystalline). "Free" silica is composed of pure silicon dioxide, not combined with other elements, whereas <a href="/facts/Silicates/7NdthSRM">silicates</a> (e.g., <a href="/facts/Talc/9sUSo6rA">talc</a>, <a href="/facts/Asbestos/dEnjQyee">asbestos</a>, and <a href="/facts/Mica/ag4cdnsb">mica</a>) are SiO2 combined with an appreciable portion of <a href="/facts/Cation/wrbwhF3z">cations</a>. </p> <ul><li>Crystalline silica exists in seven different forms (<a href="/facts/Polymorphism_(materials_science)/bu2tqsB9">polymorphs</a>), depending upon the temperature of formation. The main three polymorphs are <a href="/facts/Quartz/4n86tE2G">quartz</a>, <a href="/facts/Cristobalite/r1rQss4r">cristobalite</a>, and <a href="/facts/Tridymite/GKBVUXRe">tridymite</a>. Quartz is the second most common mineral in the world (next to <a href="/facts/Feldspar/DVvFnfA9">feldspar</a>).<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:17" href="#fn:17"><sup>17</sup></a></li> <li>Microcrystalline silica consists of minute quartz crystals bonded together with amorphous silica. Examples include <a href="/facts/Flint/7NLCTfBd">flint</a> and <a href="/facts/Chert/pmvbVy6U">chert</a>.</li> <li>Amorphous silica consists of <a href="/facts/Kieselgur/kQVwJICV">kieselgur</a> (<a href="/facts/Diatomite/kQVwJICV">diatomite</a>), from the skeletons of <a href="/facts/Diatoms/x2oEcP1P">diatoms</a>, and vitreous silica, produced by heating and then rapid cooling of crystalline silica. Amorphous silica is less toxic than crystalline, but not biologically inert, and diatomite, when heated, can convert to tridymite or cristobalite.</li></ul> <p>Silica flour is nearly pure SiO2 finely ground. Silica flour has been used as a polisher or buffer, as well as paint extender, abrasive, and filler for cosmetics. Silica flour has been associated with all types of silicosis, including acute silicosis. </p><p>Silicosis is due to deposition of fine respirable dust (less than 10 <a href="/facts/Micrometers/7eDFxD2L">micrometers</a> in <a href="/facts/Diameter/6uNn4VmU">diameter</a>) containing crystalline silicon dioxide in the form of alpha-quartz, cristobalite, or tridymite. </p> <h2 id="diagnosis">Diagnosis</h2> <p>There are three key elements to the diagnosis of silicosis. First, the patient history should reveal exposure to sufficient silica dust to cause this illness. Second, chest imaging (usually chest x-ray) that reveals findings consistent with silicosis. Third, there are no underlying illnesses that are more likely to be causing the abnormalities. Physical examination is usually unremarkable unless there is complicated disease. The examination findings are not specific for silicosis.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:18" href="#fn:18"><sup>18</sup></a> </p><p><a href="/facts/Pulmonary_function_testing/GgLVssa6">Pulmonary function testing</a> may reveal airflow limitation, restrictive defects, reduced diffusion capacity, mixed defects, or may be normal, especially without complicated disease. Most cases of silicosis do not require tissue biopsy for diagnosis, but this may be necessary in some cases, primarily to exclude other conditions. Assessment of alveolar crystal burden in <a href="/facts/Bronchoalveolar_lavage/PyXsyly7">bronchoalveolar lavage</a> fluid may aid diagnosis.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:19" href="#fn:19"><sup>19</sup></a> </p><p>For uncomplicated silicosis, chest x-ray will confirm the presence of small (< 10 mm) nodules in the lungs, especially in the upper lung zones. Using the <a href="/facts/ILO/B3gVKNjV">ILO</a> classification system, these are of profusion 1/0 or greater and shape/size "p", "q", or "r". Lung zone involvement and profusion increases with disease progression. In advanced cases of silicosis, large opacity (> 1 cm) occurs from coalescence of small opacities, particularly in the upper lung zones. </p><p>With retraction of the lung tissue, there is compensatory <a href="/facts/Emphysema/ud3oXGCr">emphysema</a>. Enlargement of the hilum is common with chronic and accelerated silicosis. In about 5–10% of cases, the nodes will calcify circumferentially, producing so-called "eggshell" <a href="/facts/Calcification/NRSv3tMS">calcification</a>. This finding is not pathognomonic (diagnostic) of silicosis. In some cases, the pulmonary nodules may also become calcified. </p><p>A computed tomography or <a href="/facts/CT_scan/NusPJ2S8">CT scan</a> can also provide a mode detailed analysis of the lungs, and can reveal cavitation due to concomitant mycobacterial infection. </p> <h3>Classification</h3> <p>Classification of silicosis is made according to the disease's severity (including radiographic pattern), onset, and rapidity of progression.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:20" href="#fn:20"><sup>20</sup></a> These include: </p> Chronic simple silicosis Usually resulting from long-term exposure (10 years or more) to relatively low concentrations of silica dust and usually appearing 10–30 years after first exposure.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:21" href="#fn:21"><sup>21</sup></a> This is the most common type of silicosis. Patients with this type of silicosis, especially early on, may not have obvious signs or symptoms of disease, but abnormalities may be detected by x-ray. Chronic cough and <a href="/facts/Exertion/goEFAQXC">exertional</a> <a href="/facts/Dyspnea/1jBfFzxU">dyspnea</a> (shortness of breath) are common findings. Radiographically, chronic simple silicosis reveals a profusion of small (<10 mm in diameter) opacities, typically rounded, and predominating in the upper lung zones. Accelerated silicosis Silicosis that develops 5–10 years after first exposure to higher concentrations of silica dust. Symptoms and x-ray findings are similar to chronic simple silicosis, but occur earlier and tend to progress more rapidly. Patients with accelerated silicosis are at greater risk for complicated disease, including progressive massive fibrosis (PMF). Complicated silicosis Silicosis can become "complicated" by the development of severe scarring (<a href="/facts/Progressive_massive_fibrosis/QyMRUUo8">progressive massive fibrosis</a>, or also known as conglomerate silicosis), where the small nodules gradually become confluent, reaching a size of 1 cm or greater. PMF is associated with more severe symptoms and respiratory impairment than simple disease. Silicosis can also be complicated by other lung disease, such as tuberculosis, non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection, and fungal infection, certain autoimmune diseases, and <a href="/facts/Lung_cancer/LHLdR454">lung cancer</a>. Complicated silicosis is more common with accelerated silicosis than with the chronic variety. Acute silicosis Silicosis that develops a few weeks to 5 years after exposure to high concentrations of respirable silica dust. This is also known as silicoproteinosis. Symptoms of acute silicosis include more rapid onset of severe disabling shortness of breath, cough, weakness, and weight loss, often leading to death. The x-ray usually reveals a diffuse alveolar filling with air bronchograms, described as a <a href="/facts/Ground-glass_opacity/ms3oAFN8">ground-glass appearance</a>, and similar to <a href="/facts/Pneumonia/Jw0KquTA">pneumonia</a>, <a href="/facts/Pulmonary_edema/sVS5UDxl">pulmonary edema</a>, alveolar <a href="/facts/Hemorrhage/CGyFMU0F">hemorrhage</a>, and alveolar cell <a href="/facts/Lung_cancer/LHLdR454">lung cancer</a>. <h2 id="prevention">Prevention</h2> <p>Using the <a href="/facts/Hierarchy_of_hazard_controls/D3fF3wFv">Hierarchy of Controls</a>, there are various methods of preventing exposure to respirable crystalline silica. The best way to prevent silicosis is to avoid worker exposure to dust containing respirable crystalline silica.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:22" href="#fn:22"><sup>22</sup></a> The next best preventive measure is to control the dust. Water-integrated tools are often used where dust is created during certain tasks. To avoid dust accumulating on clothing and skin, wear a disposable protective suit or seal clothes in an airtight bag and, if possible, shower once returning home.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:23" href="#fn:23"><sup>23</sup></a> </p><p>When dust starts accumulating around a workplace, and the use of water-integrated tools is not feasible, an industrial vacuum should be used to contain and transport dust to a safe location for disposal.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:24" href="#fn:24"><sup>24</sup></a> Dust can also be controlled through personal dry air filtering.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:25" href="#fn:25"><sup>25</sup></a> The use of <a href="/facts/Personal_protective_equipment/DF3oEH6B">personal protective equipment</a> (PPE) is a measure of last resort when attempting to control exposure to respirable crystalline silica. </p><p>Preventing silicosis may require specific measures. One example is during tunnel construction where purpose-designed cabins are used in addition to air scrubbers to filter the air during construction.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:26" href="#fn:26"><sup>26</sup></a> Items to be considered when selecting respiratory protection include whether it provides the correct level of protection, if facial fit testing has been provided, if the wearer is absent of facial hair, and how filters will be replaced.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:27" href="#fn:27"><sup>27</sup></a> </p><p>Exposure to siliceous dusts in the ceramics industry is reduced by either processing and using the source materials as aqueous suspension or as damp solids, or by the use of dust control measures such as <a href="/facts/Engineering_controls/3DGz2C1p">local exhaust ventilation</a>. These have been mandated by legislation, such as <i>The Pottery (Health and Welfare) Special Regulations 1950</i>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:28" href="#fn:28"><sup>28</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:29" href="#fn:29"><sup>29</sup></a> The <a href="/facts/Health_and_Safety_Executive/hpvFDuEW">Health and Safety Executive</a> in the UK has produced <a href="https://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/ceramics-silica.htm">guidelines</a> on controlling exposure to respirable crystalline silica in potteries, and the British Ceramics Federation provide, as a free download, a <a href="https://www.ceramfed.co.uk/resource/respirable-crystalline-silica-guide-2018/">guidance booklet.</a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230419090744/https://www.ceramfed.co.uk/resource/respirable-crystalline-silica-guide-2018/">Archived</a> 2023-04-19 at the <a href="/facts/Wayback_Machine/nmQ3a6JC">Wayback Machine</a> </p> <h2 id="treatment">Treatment</h2> <p>Silicosis is a permanent disease with no cure.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:30" href="#fn:30"><sup>30</sup></a> Treatment options currently available focus on alleviating the symptoms and preventing any further progress of the condition. These include: </p> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Whole_lung_lavage/kRQ9hYPq">Whole lung lavage</a>. this method involves repeatedly flushing the lungs with saline under intravenous anesthesia, together with mechanical ventilation, to remove the pathogenic factor</li> <li>Stopping further exposure to airborne silica,<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:31" href="#fn:31"><sup>31</sup></a> silica dust and other lung irritants, including <a href="/facts/Tobacco_smoking/obI4MYne">tobacco smoking</a>.</li> <li><a href="/facts/Cough_medicine/2Qe0AjMx">Cough suppressants</a>.</li> <li><a href="/facts/Antibiotic/sF1kIfxg">Antibiotics</a> for bacterial lung infection.</li> <li><a href="/facts/Tuberculosis/ggPyovAl">Tuberculosis</a> (TB) prophylaxis for those with positive <a href="/facts/Tuberculin_skin_test/bkmsTRYs">tuberculin skin test</a> or <a href="/facts/Tuberculosis_diagnosis/E7LSvYPL">IGRA</a> blood test.</li> <li>Prolonged anti-tuberculosis (multi-drug regimen) for those with active TB.</li> <li>Chest <a href="/facts/Physiotherapy/q24XDqHF">physiotherapy</a> to help the bronchial drainage of <a href="/facts/Mucus/hnlBuHAy">mucus</a>.</li> <li><a href="/facts/Oxygen/acyn6o8r">Oxygen</a> administration to treat <a href="/facts/Hypoxia_(medical)/JWV04G89">hypoxemia</a>, if present.</li> <li><a href="/facts/Bronchodilator/IQMu7bra">Bronchodilators</a> to facilitate breathing.</li> <li><a href="/facts/Lung_transplantation/Yc2BIroT">Lung transplantation</a> to replace the damaged lung tissue is the most effective treatment, but is associated with severe risks of its own from the lung transplant surgery as well as from consequences of long-term <a href="/facts/Immunosuppression/22GHUHkr">immunosuppression</a> (e.g., <a href="/facts/Opportunistic_infection/d6ndMynw">opportunistic infections</a>).</li> <li>For acute silicosis, <a href="/facts/Bronchoalveolar_lavage/PyXsyly7">bronchoalveolar lavage</a> may alleviate symptoms, but does not decrease overall mortality.</li> <li>Preliminary work utilising whole lung lavage for patients with artificial stone-associated silicosis has shown significant radiological improvement following whole lung lavage.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:32" href="#fn:32"><sup>32</sup></a></li></ul> <h2 id="epidemiology">Epidemiology</h2> <p>Globally, silicosis resulted in 46,000 deaths in 2013, down from 55,000 deaths in 1990.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:33" href="#fn:33"><sup>33</sup></a> </p> <h3>Occupational silicosis</h3> <p>Silicosis is the most common occupational lung disease worldwide. It occurs everywhere, but is especially common in developing countries.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:34" href="#fn:34"><sup>34</sup></a> From 1991 to 1995, China reported more than 24,000 deaths due to silicosis each year.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:35" href="#fn:35"><sup>35</sup></a> It also affects developed nations. In the United States, it is estimated that between one and two million workers have had occupational exposure to crystalline silica dust and 59,000 of these workers will develop silicosis sometime in the course of their lives.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:36" href="#fn:36"><sup>36</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:37" href="#fn:37"><sup>37</sup></a> </p><p>According to CDC data,<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:38" href="#fn:38"><sup>38</sup></a> silicosis in the United States is relatively rare. The incidence of deaths due to silicosis declined by 84% between 1968 and 1999, and only 187 deaths in 1999 had silicosis as the underlying or contributing cause.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:39" href="#fn:39"><sup>39</sup></a> Additionally, cases of silicosis in Michigan, New Jersey, and Ohio are highly correlated to industry and occupation.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:40" href="#fn:40"><sup>40</sup></a> </p><p>The latest data from The Health and Safety Executive shows that there are typically between 10 and 20 annual silicosis deaths in recent years, with an average of 12 per year over the last 10 years. In 2019 in the UK, there were 12 deaths in 10 years.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:41" href="#fn:41"><sup>41</sup></a> </p><p>Although silicosis has been a known occupational disease for centuries, the <a href="/facts/Industrialization/h3QXzS6C">industrialization</a> of <a href="/facts/Mining/g6uDIFab">mining</a> has led to an increase in silicosis cases. <a href="/facts/Jackhammer/ms1kMTyP">Pneumatic drilling</a> in mines and less commonly, mining using <a href="/facts/Explosives/sUme5Pp8">explosives</a>, would raise fine-ultra fine crystalline silica dust (rock dust). In the United States, a 1930 <a href="/facts/Hawks_Nest_Tunnel_disaster/2hjwNwB7">epidemic of silicosis</a> due to the construction of the Hawks Nest Tunnel near <a href="/facts/Gauley_Bridge%2c_West_Virginia/oToNPRIF">Gauley Bridge, West Virginia</a>, caused the death of at least 400 workers. Other accounts place the mortality figure at well over 1000 workers, primarily African American transient workers from the southern United States.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:42" href="#fn:42"><sup>42</sup></a> Workers who became ill were fired and left the region, making an exact mortality account difficult.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:43" href="#fn:43"><sup>43</sup></a> The <a href="/facts/Hawks_Nest_Tunnel_disaster/2hjwNwB7">Hawks Nest Tunnel disaster</a> is known as "America's worst industrial disaster".<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:44" href="#fn:44"><sup>44</sup></a> The prevalence of silicosis led some men to grow what is called a miner's mustache, in an attempt to intercept as much dust as possible. </p><p>Chronic simple silicosis has been reported to occur from environmental exposures to silica in regions with high silica soil content and frequent dust storms.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:45" href="#fn:45"><sup>45</sup></a> </p><p>Also, the mining establishment of <a href="/facts/Delamar_Ghost_Town/m5B3STlv">Delamar Ghost Town</a>, Nevada, was ruined by a dry-mining process that produced a silicosis-causing dust. After hundreds of deaths from silicosis, the town was nicknamed <i>The Widowmaker</i>. The problem in those days was somewhat resolved with an addition of a nozzle to the drill which sprayed a mist of water, turning dust raised by drilling into mud, but this inhibited mining work. </p><p>Because of work-exposure to silica dust, silicosis is an occupational hazard to construction, railroad,<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:46" href="#fn:46"><sup>46</sup></a> demolition, <a href="/facts/Mining/g6uDIFab">mining</a>, <a href="/facts/Sandblast/eP6SvlWc">sandblasting</a>, quarry, tunnelling,<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:47" href="#fn:47"><sup>47</sup></a> <a href="/facts/Ceramic/9JKudpqX">ceramics</a> and <a href="/facts/Foundry/Hww9Nrmr">foundry</a> workers, as well as grinders, stone cutters, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2015-106/pdfs/2015-106.pdf">stone countertops</a>, refractory brick workers, tombstone workers, workers in the <a href="/facts/Oil_and_gas_industry/xCKs0yQJ">oil and gas industry</a>,<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:48" href="#fn:48"><sup>48</sup></a> pottery workers, fiberglass manufacturing, glass manufacturing, flint knappers and others. Brief or casual exposure to low levels of crystalline silica dust are said to not produce clinically significant lung disease.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:49" href="#fn:49"><sup>49</sup></a> </p><p>In less developed countries where work conditions are poor and respiratory equipment is seldom used, the life expectancy is low (e.g. for silver miners in <a href="/facts/Potos%25C3%25AD/cGSUkAHT">Potosí</a>, Bolivia, is around 40 years due to silicosis). </p><p>Recently, silicosis in Turkish denim sandblasters was detected as a new cause of silicosis due to recurring, poor working conditions.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:50" href="#fn:50"><sup>50</sup></a> </p><p>Silicosis is seen in horses associated with inhalation of dust from certain <a href="/facts/Cristobalite/r1rQss4r">cristobalite</a>-containing soils in California. </p><p><a href="/facts/Social_Realism/LPCpR7l9">Social realist</a> artist <a href="/facts/Noel_Counihan/WaNKTeYY">Noel Counihan</a> depicted men who worked in industrial mines in Australia in the 1940s dying of silicosis in his series of six prints, 'The miners' (1947 linocuts).<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:51" href="#fn:51"><sup>51</sup></a> </p><p>A recent rise of cases in Australia has been associated with the manufacture and installation of <a href="/facts/Engineered_stone/4bLnxSdf">engineered stone</a> bench tops in kitchens and bathrooms.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:52" href="#fn:52"><sup>52</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:53" href="#fn:53"><sup>53</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:54" href="#fn:54"><sup>54</sup></a> Engineered stone contains a very high proportion of silica.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:55" href="#fn:55"><sup>55</sup></a> The Australian Government Department of Health established a National Dust Disease Taskforce in response to the number of reported cases of silicosis in 2018.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:56" href="#fn:56"><sup>56</sup></a> Workplace health and safety regulations for cutting these bench tops have been tightened in response. The <a href="/facts/Construction%2c_Forestry%2c_Maritime%2c_Mining_and_Energy_Union/7l0DQkG2">Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union</a>, the major workplace trade union representing construction workers in Australia, has called for a nationwide ban on high-silicon engineered stone by 2024, and stated that it will ban its members from using the material if a governmental ban is not put in place.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:57" href="#fn:57"><sup>57</sup></a> </p><p>Silicosis has also been identified as one of many long-term health outcomes for first responders from the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, after having been exposed to dust containing high concentrations of respirable crystalline silica, as well as other metals and toxins.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:58" href="#fn:58"><sup>58</sup></a> </p> <h3>Desert lung disease</h3> <p class="note">Main article: <a href="/facts/Dust_pneumonia/6nzWmSoG">Dust pneumonia</a></p> <p>A non-occupational form of silicosis has been described that is caused by long-term exposure to sand dust in desert areas, with cases reported from the Sahara, Libyan desert and the Negev.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:59" href="#fn:59"><sup>59</sup></a> The disease is caused by deposition of this dust in the lung.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:60" href="#fn:60"><sup>60</sup></a> Desert lung disease may be related to Al Eskan disease, a lung disorder thought to be caused by exposure to sand dust containing organic antigens, which was first diagnosed after the 1990 Gulf war.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:61" href="#fn:61"><sup>61</sup></a> The relative importance of the silica particles themselves and the microorganisms that they carry in these health effects remains unclear.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:62" href="#fn:62"><sup>62</sup></a> </p> <h2 id="regulation-in-the-us">Regulation in the US</h2> <p>In March 2016, <a href="/facts/Occupational_Safety_and_Health_Administration/dCGbW5Ax">OSHA</a> officially mandated that companies must provide certain safety measures for employees who work with or around <a href="/facts/Silicon_dioxide/A3WILp6J">silica</a>, in order to prevent silicosis, <a href="/facts/Lung_cancer/LHLdR454">lung cancer</a>, and other silica-related diseases.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:63" href="#fn:63"><sup>63</sup></a> </p> <h3>Key provisions</h3> <p>One of the main updates to OSHA's silica standard was the reduction of the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica from 250 to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an 8-hour shift.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:64" href="#fn:64"><sup>64</sup></a> The updated standard also shifts the focus of controlling silica exposure from the use of PPE (<a href="/facts/Respirator/rYFJThhR">respirators</a>) to the use of engineering controls (such as using water-integrated tools or vacuum systems) and administrative controls (limiting exposure time per shift). Employers are still required to provide respirators when engineering and administrative controls cannot adequately limit exposure.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:65" href="#fn:65"><sup>65</sup></a> </p><p>Additional provisions include limiting worker access to high exposure areas, signage requirements in high exposure areas, the development of a written exposure control plan, medical exams to highly exposed workers (optional for exposed employees), and training for workers on silica risks and how to limit exposures. Special equipment may be needed to prevent machine water from evaporating and leaving behind dust.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:66" href="#fn:66"><sup>66</sup></a> The standard also provides requirements for cleaning up the slurry left behind when water-integrated tools are used as an engineering control. </p><p>The medical exams include a discussion with a physician or licensed health care provider (PLHCP) of prior respiratory health, chest X-ray, pulmonary function test, latent tuberculosis infection, and any other tests deemed necessary by the PLHCP. These medical exams are to occur within 30 days of the initial assignment that includes silica exposure and must be made available for renewal at least every three years unless the PLHCP deems otherwise. </p><p>As part of the updated standard, OSHA created a table of specific engineering and administrative control methods to reduce silica exposure when using specific tools in 18 different applications that are known to create an exposure to silica from stationary masonry saws to using handheld grinders.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:67" href="#fn:67"><sup>67</sup></a> </p><p>An additional provision exists for small business who are provided flexibility.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:68" href="#fn:68"><sup>68</sup></a> </p> <h3>Compliance schedule</h3> <p>Both standards contained in the final rule took effect on June 23, 2016, after which industries had one to five years to comply with most requirements, based on the following schedule: </p> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Construction/58eqDhy9">Construction</a> – June 23, 2017, one year after the effective date.</li> <li>General Industry and Maritime – June 23, 2018, two years after the effective date.</li> <li><a href="/facts/Hydraulic_fracturing/cCTzfwkg">Hydraulic Fracturing</a> – June 23, 2018, two years after the effective date for all provisions except Engineering Controls, which have a compliance date of June 23, 2021.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:69" href="#fn:69"><sup>69</sup></a></li></ul> <h2 id="see-also">See also</h2> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Pneumoconiosis/S2gcpA6z">Pneumoconiosis</a> – Scarring of the lungs due to inhaling dust over long periods</li> <li><a href="/facts/Asbestosis/EufWTskD">Asbestosis</a> – Pneumoconiosis caused by inhalation and retention of asbestos fibers</li> <li><a href="/facts/Health_effects_arising_from_the_September_11_attacks/RWefworh">Health effects arising from the September 11 attacks</a> – Health issues and effects during and after the September 11 attacks</li> <li><a href="/facts/Hawks_Nest_Tunnel_disaster/2hjwNwB7">Hawks Nest Tunnel disaster</a> – Tunnel in West Virginia where hundreds of workers contracted silicosis</li> <li><a href="/facts/Dust_pneumonia/6nzWmSoG">Dust pneumonia</a> – medical conditionPages displaying wikidata descriptions as a fallback</li> <li><a href="/facts/Frances_Perkins/JvhVboAA">Frances Perkins</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Occupational_dust_exposure/8mbn7BNf">Occupational dust exposure</a></li></ul> <h2 id="external-links">External links</h2> Wikimedia Commons has media related to Silicosis. <ul><li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/silica/default.html">Crystalline silica</a>, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, US.</li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/96-112/default.html">Preventing Silicosis and Deaths in Construction workers</a>, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, US.</li> <li><a href="https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3681.pdf">OSHA’s Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction</a>, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, US.</li></ul> <h2 id="references">References</h2> <ol> <li id="fn:1"><p>Derived from Gr. πνεῦμα pneúm|a (lung) + buffer vowel -o- + κόνις kóni|s (dust) + Eng. scient. suff. -osis (like in asbest"osis" and silic"osis", see ref. 10). <a href="/wiki/Ancient_Greek" target="_blank">/wiki/Ancient_Greek</a> <a href="#fnref:1" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:2"><p>"Prevention of Silicosis Deaths". July 22, 2015. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/updates/93-124.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/updates/93-124.html</a> <a href="#fnref:2" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:3"><p>"Global, regional, and national age-sex specific all-cause and cause-specific mortality for 240 causes of death, 1990–2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013. GBD 2013 Mortality and Causes of Death Collaborators". Lancet. 385 (9963): 117–71. 17 December 2014. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(14)61682-2. PMC 4340604. PMID 25530442. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4340604" target="_blank">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4340604</a> <a href="#fnref:3" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:4"><p>United States Bureau of Mines, "Bulletin: Volumes 476–478", U.S. G.P.O., (1995), p 63. <a href="#fnref:4" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:5"><p>Rosen G: The History of Miners' Diseases: A Medical and Social Interpretation. New York, Schuman, 1943, pp.459–476. <a href="#fnref:5" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:6"><p>'The Successful Prevention Of Silicosis Among China Biscuit Workers In The North Staffordshire Potteries.' A. Meiklejohn. British Journal Of Industrial Medicine, October 1963; 20(4): 255–263 <a href="#fnref:6" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:7"><p>"Diseases associated with exposure to silica and nonfibrous silicate minerals. Silicosis and Silicate Disease Committee". Arch. Pathol. Lab. Med. 112 (7): 673–720. July 1988. PMID 2838005. <a href="/wiki/PMID_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/PMID_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:7" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:8"><p>Stop Silicosis, retrieved 2022-04-21 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtYErK9KjQ8" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtYErK9KjQ8</a> <a href="#fnref:8" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:9"><p>Lungs of stone: How Silica has sickened a generation of quartz cutters <a href="https://theworld.org/stories/2024/04/09/lungs-of-stone-how-silica-has-sickened-a-generation-of-quartz-cutters" target="_blank">https://theworld.org/stories/2024/04/09/lungs-of-stone-how-silica-has-sickened-a-generation-of-quartz-cutters</a> <a href="#fnref:9" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:10"><p>"Silicosis Fact Sheet". World Health Organization. May 2000. Archived from the original on 2007-05-10. Retrieved 2007-05-29. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20070510005843/http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs238/en/" target="_blank">https://web.archive.org/web/20070510005843/http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs238/en/</a> <a href="#fnref:10" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:11"><p>Cowie RL (November 1994). "The epidemiology of tuberculosis in gold miners with silicosis". Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 150 (5 Pt 1): 1460–2. doi:10.1164/ajrccm.150.5.7952577. PMID 7952577. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:11" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:12"><p>Mouna, Mlika (February 9, 2022). "Silica-Induced Pneumoconiosis". Silicosis. StatPearls. 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