Diagnosis of silicosis

It is important to let your doctor know whether you think you have been exposed to silica dust and list any symptoms. The doctor may recommend seeing a respiratory physician and require you to do further tests such as:

  • chest x-ray
  • CT scan of your chest
  • lung function testing
  • blood tests
  • 6-minute walk exercise test
  • bronchoscopy and/or biopsy

Australian Centre for Disease Control: National guidance for doctors assessing workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust – May 2026

This practice guide and appendixes provide medical practitioners with guidance on identifying and assessing workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust, and carrying out health assessments and surveillance.

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National guidance for doctors assessing workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust – 2026

Download the Guidelines here.

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