industrial injury advice
Silicosis (pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis) (also known as Grinder's disease) is a form of pneumoconiosis caused by inhalation of crystalline silica (rock) dust, and is marked by inflammation and scarring in forms of nodular lesions in the upper lobes of the lungs.
Silica is the second most common mineral on earth. It is found in paint, rock, sandstone, masonry, concrete, soil, mortar, plaster, abrasives and many other similar products. The breaking, cutting, crushing, drilling, grinding or blasting of these materials may produce a fine silica dust.
When fine silica dust is inhaled, as is produced in quarrying, mining, sandblasting and building work, they can become deeply embedded in the microscopic alevolar sacs and ducts where gas exchange occurs. This significantly impedes the body's ability to absorb oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. As with asbestosis, when the particles are deposited in the lungs macrophages (part of the immune system) cause scar tissue to form around the foreign bodies, causing fibrosis and the formation of scar tissue. In addition to this primary damage, silicon dust can generate silicon-based free radicals that lead to the production of oxygen radicals, hydroxyl, and hyrdrogen peroxide, which can inflict further damage to the surrounding cells.
It usually takes about ten years for symptoms of silicosis to appear, however given acute exposure, only 6 months to 2 years may be necessary to cause acute silicosis.
Your doctor will ask you about your employment history, and whether you have ever been exposed to silica dust. Additionally, a physical check up will show abnormal breath sounds and decreased chest expansion. Additionally, your doctor may test your pulmonary function, which will show reduced lung capacity.
If the above symptoms are shown, you will then have a chest x-ray done, which will show the nodules caused by silicosis in your lungs, and may also show calcificaion in your lymph nodes. In advanced silicosis these nodules may show as large masses. A CT Scan is also occasionally performed, in order to give a more detailed analysis of the progression of the illness.
Silicosis has been known for many centuries, however only in moderately recent years have measures been taken to prevent occurence of this debilitating condition. If you have contracted silicosis as a result of your employment, they may be liable, and compensation may be available to you. In this case, contact your solicitor, or a specialised injury solicitor (many of these may be shown in our partner links above and below).
