Silicosis: Causes and Symptoms

Silicon is the second most common element in the Earth’s crust, after oxygen. The compound silica, or silica dioxide, is created by silica and oxygen atoms. The Earth is made up of 75% oxygen and silicon, therefore the compound is extremely common. Silica occurs in three forms: crystalline, microcrystalline and, amorphous. Silica can be found in most rock beds and, it turns into dust during the mining, quarrying, or tunneling process. Because silica is the main component of sand, glass workers and sand-blasters are exposed to silica as well.

Silicosis, also known as Potter’s rot, is a type of occupational lung disease which is caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust. Significant exposure to silica can lead to disease in just one year, but symptoms don’t typically appear for 10 – 15 years.   The people who work in occupations where they are exposed to silica dust are at the greatest risk for developing silicosis. These jobs include: mining, quarrying, abrasives manufacturing, road construction, building construction, sand blasting and stone cutting. If you suspect that you are suffering from silicosis, contact a Minneapolis personal injury attorney without delay!

Three Categories of Silicosis

Silicosis is separated into three categories, depending on the disease’s severity, onset, and the speed of progression. Silicosis is categorized as: Chronic simple silicosis, which occurs from long term exposure (10 or more years), this is the most common form of silicosis.

Accelerated silicosis, develops 5 – 10 years after first exposure to higher concentrations of silica dust. The symptoms are similar to those associated with simple silicosis, but appear earlier and progress more rapidly. Those patients afflicted with accelerated silicosis are at a greater risk for complications.

Complicated silicosis occurs with the development of severe scars. Silicosis can also become complicated with other lung disease, such as tuberculosis, fungal infections, lung cancer and other autoimmune diseases.

Acute silicosis develops a few weeks to 5 years after exposure to highly concentrated levels of silica dust. A person suffering from acute silicosis will have a more rapid onset of the disease including, severe shortness of breath, cough, weight loss and weakness; which typically leads to death.

Minneapolis Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one is suffering from silicosis due to occupational exposure, then you are urged to contact a Minneapolis personal injury attorney from Butwinick Donaldson, the Action Lawyers. We are here to help you obtain maximum compensation on behalf of this devastating disease.

Contact a Minneapolis personal injury lawyer from our firm, if you are suffering from silicosis due to toxic exposure in the workplace!