Chronic Silicosis

Silica is a common, naturally-occurring crystal. It is found in most rock beds and forms dust during mining, quarrying, tunneling, and working with many metal ores. Silica is a main part of sand, so glass workers and sand-blasters are also exposed to silica. A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Working in the following occupations increases your chance of acute silicosis:

  • Abrasive blasting
  • Agriculture
  • Ceramics, clay, pottery
  • Construction
  • Concrete finishing
  • Drywall finishing
  • Glass manufacturing
  • Masonry
  • Manufacturing of soaps and detergents
  • Mining
  • Rock drilling
  • Rock crushing (for road base)
  • Sand and gravel screening
  • Sandblasting (this is most common cause of acute silicosis)
  • Stone milling or cutting
  • Shipyards, railroads
  • Vitreous enamelling of china plumbing fixtures
  • Wrecking and demolition

Because silicosis is progressive, signs of it may not appear until years after exposure. Symptoms can include:

  • Dyspnoea exacerbated by exertion
  • Dry or severe cough, often persistent and accompanied
  • Fatigue
  • Tachypnea (rapid breathing) which is often laboured
  • Chest pain
  • Fever
  • Gradual dark shallow rifts in nails eventually leading to cracks

In advanced cases, the following may also occur:

  • Cyanosis
  • Cor pulmonale

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health – COSHH

Using chemicals or other hazardous substances at work can put people's health at risk. So the law requires employers to control exposure to hazardous substances to prevent ill health.

COSHH Regulations are designed to protect all workers from exposure to chemicals and other substances in the workplace. If you believe you have been exposed to a hazardous substance at work, then you may be entitled to make a personal injury compensation claim.

If you or someone you know needs help, then let Injuries Direct get compensation for your personal Injuries. Call now on 0800 2800 979 alternatively fill out our Contact form

(Back)


Find out how to claim:
Enter your full name Enter a contact phone number 9 digits minimum Enter your email Enter a valid email Select a claim type
Or Request a Call Back

Copyright Injuries Direct © 2008