Silicosis Lung Disease

Silicosis is a pulmonary disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silica, which is basically dust. As a result of this inhalation, the lungs develop scarring and fibrotic nodules around the silica particles, making breathing extremely difficult. Silicosis is incurable, and can be fatal. Research shows that silicosis can also lead to other forms of lung disease such as tuberculosis. Additionally, there is medical evidence that silica exposure can cause lung cancer.

Miners, construction workers and refinery workers are considered high-risk candidates for silicosis. The most common duties in which workers can be exposed to crystalline silica are as follows:

• Sandblasting using silica sand
• Pressurized air blowing or dry sweeping of concrete, rock or sand dust
• Chipping, drilling and hammering of rock at quarries or tunneling sites
• Crushing, loading, hauling and dumping of rock

There are three major types of silicosis:

Chronic silicosis
Usually develops when the worker is exposed to low concentrations of silica for several years. Symptoms may not occur until ten or more years after exposure.
Accelerated silicosis
Usually develops when the worker is exposed to high concentrations of silica for a few to several years. Symptoms may not occur until five to ten years after exposure.
Acute silicosis
Usually develops when the worker is exposed to the highest concentrations of silica for a few weeks or more. Symptoms may occur within a few weeks to a few years after exposure.

It is estimated that more than three million workers are exposed to crystalline silica at their worksites, and approximately ten percent of those are high-risk candidates for silicosis. According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), silicosis is 100% preventable by using the proper safety equipment such as respirators and gas masks. Unfortunately, many employers take limited safety measures, and provide substandard safety equipment to their employees. As a result, lawsuits are being fined against employers, the manufacturers of substandard safety equipment, and the manufacturers of crystalline silica products.

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with silicosis, it may be possible to obtain a cash award from your employer or manufacturer(s) at fault. Please fill out our Case Review Contact Form to the right on this page to find out what your case is worth.

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