Silicosis Claims
This is one of the oldest forms of Occupation lung disease. It develops over time when dust from Silica is inhaled into the lungs. Silica is the second most common mineral on earth. It is found in sand, many rocks such as granite, sandstone, flint and slate, and in some coal and metallic ores.
First recognised in 1705 when the respiratory disease was noticed through sand like substances in the lungs of stonecutters.
When Silica is in crystalline form it is toxic to the lining of the lungs a strong inflammatory reaction is the result of the two coming into contact. This inflammation over time causes the tissue of the lungs to become thickened and scarred, both of which are irreversible; this is a condition that is called Fibrosis.
The common symptoms of Silicosis are; a persistent cough, with or without sputum, shortness of breath and chest tightness. All of these usually appear over many years of exposure to high levels of Silica dust, with the tissue of the lungs becoming damaged by Fibrosis and being replaced with solid nodules of scar tissue. Even after the exposure stops, the disease still progresses.
The lungs, when damaged, can’t perform their function, the supplying of oxygen to the blood is reduced.
However in rare cases of acute silicosis, the symptoms develop quickly, even though the sufferer only has a short period of exposure to high levels of Silica dust. People who develop acute Silicosis usually die within a year.
As a result of the thickening and scarred tissue, suffers of Silica are left more sustainable to lung infections, with the chances of contracting TB becoming extremely high. People who are diagnosed with Silica who smoke are helped to stop smoking as smoking aggravates the symptoms of Silicosis, which in process speeds up the disease.
It has been said that men are more susceptible to Silicosis than women, as they are more likely to be exposed to Silica than women. This is because Silicosis affects most people working as potters, sandblasters, miners, people working in quarries and foundry workers, occupations that are male dominated. As Silicosis takes years to develop because it takes years of exposure, people over the age of 40 are most commonly diagnosed. Alterations can be made to reduce the number of cases of silicosis that are diagnosed every year, such as appropriate ventilation, dust control, use of face masks and wet drilling. Some foundries are also starting to replace Silica sand with synthetic materials.
There isn’t a treatment for Silicosis as the effects are irreversible however treatments can be given to help with the symptoms, such as a cough.
If you are suffering from Silicosis there is help available in the form of personal injury no win no fee claims. Get in touch with Accident Consult today for free impartial advice about claiming today. If your case is successful you will keep all of the money you are awarded.
Get in touch today on 08081 68 69 70 for your consultation.
Tags: inflammation, lung disease, lungs, rare cases, scar tissue, short period, shortness of breath, silica dust, slate, sufferer |
