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Pneumoconiosis

Definition Pneumoconiosis is fibrosis and scarring of the lungs due to the chronic (long-term) occupational inhalation of dusts such as coal, silica or asbestos. Silicosis is the most common form of pneumoconiosis and is caused by inaling free silica or crystalline silica (SiO2). Asbestiosis is a form of pneumoconiosis caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers. There are additional forms of pneumoconiosis that affect coal miners, welders, hard mineral dusts, talc, kaolin and more. See the first link under Further Reading below. MSDS Relevance MSDS's will warn of pneumoconiosis if the material is known to cause this kind of damage. Pneumoconiosis is a serious hazard at locations where dust is produced. Examples include coal mines, quarries and foundries. Breathing dust day after day is not normal and can result in permanent lung damage. Always take care to minimize the formation of dusts in the first place and use adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as dust masks or respirators in the presence of such materials. Keep in mind that the lung damage caused by inhalation of dusts may initially not cause any symptoms, even though damage has been done. If you wait until symptoms appear before taking appropriate precautions, the damage may be irreversible.

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Further Reading

• Pneumoconiosis at Aetna Intelihealth.
• Coal worker's pneumoconiosis at the NIH's MedlinePlus Encyclopedia.
• Coal worker's pneumoconiosis at eMedicine.com, written for physicians and health professionals.
• The American Lung Association's Pneumoconiosis web page.
• Asbestiosis at the University of Virginia Health System.
• Pitfalls in Diagnosing Occupational Lung Disease (OLD) for Purposes of Compensation at OSHA, by Lawrence Martin, M.D.
• Health-Related Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Men with Pneumoconiosis at the international journal of thoracic medicine, Respiration.
• Mortality Statistics: Pneumoconiosis associated with tuberculosis (most recent) by country at the NationMaster.com.

See also: emphysema, fibrosis.

Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.