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Silicosis is a respiratory lung disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust. Silica dust contains toxic particles that can cause lung inflammation. Over time the inflammation progressively causes a thickening and scarring of the lung tissue, which is sometimes referred to as fibrosis. Fibrosis causes the respiratory functions of the lungs to deteriorate.

Crystalline silica dust
Crystalline silica dust is commonly found in the following materials: sandstone, granite, slate, coal, and pure silica sand.

Silicosis injuries
Silicosis is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of forty as it usually takes years of exposure before the effects of the lung damage becomes apparent. Damage to the lung tissue means that the lungs cannot perform their function of supplying oxygen to the blood as well as they should. The symptoms resulting from this include coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. These symptoms of silicosis develop over time and as the lung damage increases, the symptoms become worse. The damage suffered by the lungs also leaves a person susceptible to lung infections, and tuberculosis.

Types of silicosis

Chronic silicosis is the most common form of silicosis; symptoms develop over many years of exposure, usually more than 20 years.

Accelerated silicosis occurs after exposure to larger amounts of silica over a shorter period of time, usually between 5-15 years. Inflammation, scarring, and symptoms progress faster in accelerated silicosis than in chronic silicosis.

Acute silicosis is a rare form of silicosis. The symptoms develop very quickly and after a short period of exposure to high levels of silica dust.

Silicosis compensation
You could be entitled to silicosis compensation if you have been exposed to silica dust at work. You may have come into contact with silicosis through mining, tunnelling, stone cutting, quarrying / foundry work, construction, manufacturing of ceramics and abrasives, sand blasting and many other occupations.

Silicosis legal advice
If you have been exposed to silica dust in the workplace, and have been injured as a result, please contact our specialist Industrial Disease Team. The Industrial Disease Team can also advise on other types of lung disease including pneumoconiosis, occupational asthma,asbestos related illnesses and dermatitis.

If you believe that you might have a legal claim relating to Silicosis , please complete the online enquiry form or call 0870 024 0558. Your enquiry will be forwarded to a solicitor who specialises in Silicosis .

If you have any comments in relation to Silicosis , please use the online discussion forum.