Submit your Silicosis claim details for a free, no obligation case review.
Get Started:
more_legal_areas silicosisOccupational lung silicosis is a respiratory disease that occurs as a result of harmful exposure to crystalline silica dust in the work environment. Occupational lung silicosis is one of the oldest known work-related conditions dating back to ancient Greece. In the 1800s, occupational lung silicosis was considered the most dangerous threat posed to worker’s health. In 1930s occupational lung silicosis became a major concern in the United States.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has implemented detailed regulations to protect workers from developing occupational lung silicosis. While there is no cure for this condition, occupational lung silicosis is one hundred percent preventable when adequate measures are taken to prevent dangerous exposure to crystalline silica dust in the workplace or other environment.
Approximately one million workers are exposed to crystalline silica dust every year. At least 100,000 workers are exposed to levels which can cause occupational lung silicosis because of activities such as sandblasting, rock drilling, and mining. Every year in the United States alone 250 people die from occupational lung silicosis. Workers in the railroad, construction, mining, shipbuilding, agricultural, glass manufacturing, soap and detergent manufacturing, and abrasive production industries can all be exposed to dangerous levels of crystalline silica which can cause occupational lung silicosis. People who perform activities similar to the work of these industries can also be at risk for developing silicosis.
Occupational lung silicosis is a disabling, irreversible and potentially fatal lung disease that can remain asymptomatic for years and decades. When a person is exposed to airborne dust that contains crystalline silica particles a person can develop occupational lung silicosis. This condition causes inflammation, scar tissue formation, and fluid accumulation in the lungs. Occupational lung silicosis can prevent the lungs from efficiently extracting oxygen from the air that a victim breathes. Occupational lung silicosis has also been associated with bronchitis, tuberculosis, and progressive massive fibrosis.
There are three types of occupational lung silicosis that a person can develop. Acute silicosis develops a few weeks to five years following exposure to very high levels of crystalline silica dust. Accelerated silicosis develops five to ten years after exposure to high levels of exposure. Chronic occupational lung silicosis is the most common form of this work-related respiratory condition. This type typically develops after ten years of long term exposure to harmful amounts of airborne silica particles.
There is no cure for occupational lung silicosis, though there are some treatment options available. Occupational lung silicosis is diagnosed by evaluating a person’s work history, chest x-rays, and lung functioning tests. Experts recommend that patients go to a health professional that is familiar with occupational lung silicosis. For more information on occupational lung silicosis, you may wish to speak with a qualified attorney.
A Senate panel will hear testimony today on how silicosis would affect the proposed national asbestos injury trust fund.
Silica is another toxic substance that American business groups are worried could lead to the next asbestos. The f...
Over a thousand workers at Yucca Mountain were exposed to toxic dusts for several years in the 1990s, before the Energy Department installed effective health protections. A number of workers have since reported medical problems that they believe result...