Silicosis is an incurable lung disease that is caused by the
inhalation of crystalline silica dust. Silicosis is a progressive
condition that results in the inflammation and scarring of the
lungs.
Who can contract silicosis?
Silicosis is most common in people who are exposed to moderate
to high levels of silica dust over an extended period of time,
usually during the course of their employment. In some
circumstances, exposure to very high levels of silica dust for as
little as a few weeks or months can lead to the development of
acute silicosis.
Silicosis most commonly affects stonemasons, concreters,
bricklayers, tilers and other people in the building and
construction industry, particularly those who were frequently
exposed to dust generated from work with various forms of stone,
concrete, bricks and tiles.
