Silicosis – FAQs

Q. One of my colleagues has been diagnosed with silicosis, what is the likelihood of me developing the disease?

A. Unfortunately, the likelihood that you will also develop silicosis is very high. In most cases, when workers develop silicosis it is highly probable that other workers have been exposed to the same dust. It is important that you undergo a medical exam that includes a chest x-ray and lung function test, this is the only sure way to determine if you are suffering from silicosis. If your test comes back clear, make sure you get re-tested at least every three years.

Q. I have been diagnosed with silicosis, what recourse do I have?

A. It is highly likely that you may have contracted silicosis at your workplace, especially if you are working in the construction, shipbuilding or mining industries, where silica is widely present in the workplace. The likelihood of developing silicosis is highest, if you are a sandblaster.

One possible recourse you have to your employer is negligence, and that would depend on the safeguards your employer has in place to protect its workers from silica dust. Since silicosis is an irreversible and incurable disease, you may have a strong case for claims to cover medical expenses, lost wages, as well as damages, if your employer is at fault.

Q. What are the symptoms of silicosis? Is it treatable?

A. One of the problems with silicosis is that the early symptoms are too general, forcing many cases to go undetected for many years. The first symptoms are shortness of breath, fever, or a change in skin color around the ear lobes or on the lips. People suffering from silicosis are also more prone to other lung diseases, such as tuberculosis, emphysema and bronchitis. Continued exposure to silica dust will lead to fatigue, chest pains, extreme shortness of breath, loss of appetite and respiratory failure that sometimes can be fatal.

Unfortunately, silicosis is incurable and the disease progresses even after exposure to silica dust is stopped. However, it is possible to manage the disease, depending on the level of silicosis, and the first step is to stop exposure to silica dust.