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There are three types of silicosis based on the level of exposure to respirable crystalline silica:
- Acute silicosis — develops within weeks or months of exposure to very high levels of silica dust.
- Accelerated silicosis — due to exposure to large amounts of silica dust for less than 10 years.
- Chronic silicosis — due to exposure to low levels of silica dust for more than 10 years.
Other diseases caused by exposure to silica dust
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis
- Lung cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- Scleroderma and other autoimmune conditions
- An increased risk of infections such as tuberculosis and fungal diseases
In the early stages of silicosis, there may be no symptoms. It is important to visit your doctor if you think you have been exposed to silica dust. Some of the common symptoms that develop are:
- shortness of breath
- chronic or persistent cough
- weakness and tiredness
- chest pain
- weight loss
Unfortunately, symptoms will slowly get worse – even if you are no longer exposed to silica dust.