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more_legal_areas silicosisSilicosis Disease
Silicosis disease is an incurable respiratory condition that causes inflammation and scar tissue build up in the lungs. Silicosis disease compromises the lung’s ability to adequately utilize oxygen. Silicosis disease develops as a result of harmful exposure to crystalline silica. Silica is the second most common naturally occurring mineral in the earth and is a major component of sand, rocks, mineral ores, and a variety of other materials.
Dating back to ancient Greece, silicosis disease is one the oldest occupational diseases known to the world. Silicosis disease became a major public health concern in the 1930s. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set limits of permissible exposure to crystalline silica in the work environment in an effort to reduce the risk of workers developing silicosis disease.
The government estimates that more than one million US workers are exposed to silica materials every year. At least 100,000 are estimated to be exposed to dangerous levels that could potentially lead to silicosis disease. Approximately 250 people die every year as a result of complications from silicosis disease. While silica is a ubiquitous earth element, silicosis disease is easily preventable when proper precautions are taken.
Workers in the following industries may be exposed to dangerous levels of crystalline silica which can cause silicosis disease: construction, railroad, mining, maritime, soap, detergent, and abrasive manufacturing, glass production, ceramics, pottery, mining, agriculture, and foundry work. Hobbyists involved in the following activities may also be at risk for developing silicosis disease. Silicosis disease develops when crystalline silica dust is inhaled.
There are three types of silicosis disease that a victim can develop. The most common form of silicosis disease is simple chronic silicosis. This type of silicosis disease develops after years of exposure to silica dust and can remain asymptomatic for years and years. This type of silicosis disease typically develops after more than ten years of exposure. The second type of silicosis disease is called accelerated silicosis and results from higher levels of exposure after five to ten years. The third type of silicosis disease is acute silicosis which can develop within a few weeks to five years after very high levels of exposure. The symptoms of all silicosis disease types includes: difficulty or shortness of breath, chest pain, chronic cough, fever, fatigue, and weight loss.
Diagnosis of silicosis disease may not be possible for several years after harmful exposure. Silicosis disease can be accompanied by tuberculosis, massive fibrosis, and other conditions. Silicosis disease can be diagnosed through evaluation of a person’s work history, chest x-rays, pulmonary functioning tests, and TB tests. There is no cure for silicosis disease, though some cases are treated with bronchodilators, medications, oxygen, and antibiotics. If you, or a loved one, have developed silicosis disease, you may wish to contact a qualified attorney who can advise you of your rights and options in a case to seek compensation for your silicosis disease-related losses.
Request more silicosis information and submit your potential case for a free and confidential consultation by contacting our experienced silicosis injury lawyers.
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