Silicosis
Preventingsilicosis
Silicosis can beprevented by avoiding prolonged exposure to silica dust.
In the UK, all workplaces must now comply with The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 , which sets a workplace exposure limit for silica.
Your employer should warn you about any risks to your health, make sure you're aware of the correct procedures to reduce your risk of exposure to silica dust, and supply you with the necessary equipment to protect you.
You can read more detailed information about the control of exposure to silica dust (PDF, 99.5kb) on the Health and Safety Executive website.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Silicosis is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling large amounts of crystalline silica dust, usually over many years.
Signs andsymptoms
The symptoms of silicosis usually take many years to develop and you may not notice any problems until after you've stopped working with silica dust. The symptomscan also continue to get worse, even i
How can my GP help?
See your GP if you think there's apossibility you could have silicosis. Your GP may suspecttheconditionafter asking about your symptoms and work history, and listening to your lungs with a stethoscop
Treatingsilicosis
There's no cure for silicosis, as the lung damage cannot be reversed. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. The conditionmay continue to get worse, leading to further lung da
Preventingsilicosis
Silicosis can beprevented by avoiding prolonged exposure to silica dust. In the UK, all workplaces must now comply with The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 , which sets a w
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