When you think about serious lung diseases linked to workplace exposure, conditions like lung cancer or mesothelioma might come to mind. But there’s another devastating illness that is tragically affecting workers and their families: silicosis.
Silicosis is a progressive, irreversible and potentially fatal lung disease. It’s caused by breathing in tiny crystalline silica dust particles. Silica is a common mineral, found in everyday materials like sand, granite, sandstone, slate, concrete, and increasingly, in engineered (or artificial) stone used for countertops. Fabricated stone countertops pose a heightened risk because of the large amounts of fine silica dust created when these materials are cut, drilled and polished.
When these tiny dust particles are inhaled, they can become trapped deep within the lung tissue. This triggers inflammation and scarring (fibrosis), leading to permanent lung damage that can worsen over time, even after exposure stops.
What are the Symptoms of Silicosis?
Symptoms of silicosis might not appear for years, or even decades, after the initial exposure. When they do, they can be mistaken for other respiratory conditions. It’s crucial to be aware of:
- Persistent, sometimes harsh, cough
- Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity
- Fatigue and weakness
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bluish skin (cyanosis) in severe cases
If you’ve worked in an environment with silica dust and are experiencing these symptoms, seeking medical attention promptly is vital.
What Types of Silicosis Are There?
- Acute Silicosis: This rare form can develop rapidly, sometimes within weeks or months, following intense exposure to extremely high levels of silica dust over a short period.
- Accelerated (or Subacute) Silicosis: This type typically develops within two to 10 years of significant exposure to silica dust.
- Chronic Silicosis: This is the most common form, usually appearing 10 to 30 years or more after prolonged exposure to lower levels of silica dust. Chronic silicosis can be categorized as simple silicosis (often with few or no symptoms initially) or progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), a severe and disabling form where large areas of scarring develop.
Is There a Cure for Silicosis?
Tragically, there is no cure for any type of silicosis. The lung damage is permanent. While medical treatments like bronchodilators can help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation and ease breathing difficulties, they cannot reverse the scarring. The reality of an incurable disease means significant lifestyle changes, mounting medical expenses, and often, the inability to continue working – a heavy burden for any family to bear.
Are You at Risk for Silicosis?
Historically, silicosis was reported by workers in mining, construction and sandblasting fields.
Authorities are now seeing a dramatic rise in silicosis among younger workers who are exposed to silica dust while cutting, polishing and installing engineered stone countertops and related products. These popular products can contain over 90% silica, and cutting or grinding them can release high concentrations of dangerous dust.
Preventing Silicosis: The Responsibilities of Fabricated Countertop Manufacturers, Suppliers and Retailers
The most tragic aspect of silicosis is that it is almost entirely preventable. Manufacturers have long known about the health risks associated with silica dust exposure, yet they have not done enough to ensure that workers are adequately protected.
How We Help Silicosis Victims
Seek justice with the help of our experienced attorneys. Our Dallas, Texas, law firm represents workers exposed to dangerous silica dust on the job, aggressively fighting to hold manufacturers and suppliers of engineered stone countertops responsible for failing to keep workers safe. If you or a loved one has suffered chronic lung diseases like silicosis, we can help.
