Silicosis claims

Silicosis is an occupational lung disease which is linked to only a few occupations such as pottery making and mining. It occurs when certain types of dust are inhaled which damage the tissue within the lungs and cause silicosis.

Silicosis can develop a long period of time and may lead to permanent damage to the lungs. This leaves the sufferer in pain, discomfort and prone to lung infections and other respiratory diseases.

If you have been employed in either mining or the pottery industries and have developed silicosis then this may have occurred as a result of your job. If so then you may be entitled to compensation for an industrial disease.

Note: industrial diseases are discussed in a separate section within this guide. They include asbestosis, mesothelioma and pleural thickening.

Silicosis affects more men than women and those aged 40 and above.

Causes of silicosis

This disease occurs when dust from rocks or ceramics is inhaled into the lungs. This dust contains crystalline silica which is hazardous when it comes into contact with the lining of the lungs.

Sources of silica dust include coal, slate, sandstone and granite.

This contact results in inflammation and eventually leads to a thickened, scarred lining within the lungs –known as fibrosis. It also damages the tissues within the lungs which prevents them from functioning as per normal.

Symptoms of silicosis

These include:

• Tightness in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Cough – possibly with or without sputum

Chronic silicosis is the most common form of this disease but there is a rare form called acute silicosis which can be fatal. Anyone who develops the acute version is likely to die from this within a year.