Occupational Lung Disease

Silicosis

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Silicosis is a lung disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust. Silica is a common mineral found naturally in sand and rock, such as granite and sandstone. Silica exposure is common in mines and quarries and in a number of other occupations such as construction (especially sandblasting), foundry-work, ceramics and glass-making. Silica scars lung and affects its ability to function normally. Inhalation of crystalline silica particles may also lead to other conditions, particularly tuberculosis. There is also a link between silicosis and lung cancer.

There are different types of silicosis depending on how quickly symptoms develop after exposure. The most common form is chronic silicosis, in which symptoms occur after ten years or more of overexposure. The most common symptoms are chronic dry cough and shortness of breath with physical activity.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007