| Disease/Syndrome |
Silicosis, simple |
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| Category |
Interstitial Lung Disease |
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| Acute/Chronic |
Chronic |
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| Synonyms |
Simple nodular silicosis; Silica pneumoconiosis, simple; |
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| Biomedical References |
Search PubMed |
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| Comments |
Simple silicosis is the most common type of silicosis; it develops after at least 5 to 10 years of exposure to silica dust. Patients with simple silicosis are identified by abnormal opacities on chest x-ray, and they are usually asymptomatic. Pulmonary function studies are usually normal. [LaDou, p. 326-7] [Harber, p. 380] In a surveillance program of 5 states from 1994 to 2000, the CDC identified nine cases of silicosis among dental laboratory technicians. Cases of silicosis are now much less common in developed countries, but continue to be reported among sandblasters and hard rock drillers. Rom, p. 366-7] |
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| Latency/Incubation |
Greater than 10 years usually or 2-5 years after heavy exposure (accelerated silicosis) [LaDou, p. 337] |
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| Diagnostic |
Chest x-ray; Pulmonary function test |
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| ICD-9 Code |
502 |
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| Reference Link |
OSHA - Silica |
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| Related Information in Haz-Map |
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| Symptoms/Findings |
Symptoms/Findings associated with this disease:
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| Job Tasks |
High risk job tasks associated with this disease:
- Blast, drill, remove, or crush rock, concrete or brick
- Grind or cut tiles, stones, concrete, bricks, or terrazzo
- Load or dump dusty rock, stone, or sand
- Make products from silica powder/stone or other fibrogenic minerals
- Use abrasives containing silica or silicon carbide
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| Agents |
Hazardous agents that cause the occupational disease:
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