Silicosis
US, Canada and Puerto Rico
Silicosis is a lung disease caused by the dust derived from quartz rock. Workers who mine or grind away at quartz rock without the appropriate protective gear are at a high risk of developing this serious illness. If you or someone you love has worked around quartz rock for an extended period of time and may have inhaled quartz dust on a regular basis, please contact the workers’ compensation lawyers Balkin & Eisbrouch, LLC.
Silica Exposure
Silica, or silicon dioxide, is a naturally-occurring mineral used many construction and building materials. Because it is widely used, workers in a variety of industries and occupations may be exposed to silica and crystallized silica dust. Construction workers, for example, may be exposed to silica when:
- Chipping
- Drilling
- Hammering
- Hauling rock
- Crushing
- Working with concrete or masonry products
When Silica is Inhaled
When inhaled, tiny particles of silica or quartz dust can lodge themselves inside the small air sacs of your lungs. With time, this can cause irreversible scarring that can evolve into the incurable lung disease, silicosis. Sadly, silicosis symptoms may not begin to show for years, even decades after exposure. This means that if you worked around silica dust while you were in your 20s, you may not have any idea you are sick until middle age.
In the early 1990s, it was estimated that more than 1 million American workers had been routinely exposed to silica dust. It is essential that those who work around quartz rock are given the appropriate protective gear. Often times, workers are seen wearing goggles to protect their eyes, but with little or no protection for their mouth and nose, leaving them vulnerable to inhaling quartz dust.
Types of Silicosis
Silicosis can be broken down into three major types:
- Acute Silicosis: Caused by exposure to a large amount of silica in a short period of time
- Chronic Silicosis: Generally occurs after exposure to a constant level of silica over a longer period of time, typically seven to 10 years
- Accelerated Silicosis: Caused by exposure to smaller amounts of silica over a long period of time, usually 15 to 20 years.
Once begun, silicosis will continue to progress even if the worker has no further exposure to the material.
Symptoms of Silicosis
Several symptoms of silicosis include:
- Chronic cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Bluish-colored skin on your ear lobes or lips
Silicosis is a serious chronic illness that most often results in death. If you have worked with quartz dust and are now experiencing breathing problems or symptoms of silicosis, please contact the personal injury attorneys at Balkin & Eisbrouch, LLC today. Serving clients in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, our experienced lawyers can help you win damages for your injuries.
