Silicosis Law Site

https://silicosislaw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Does_Silicosis_Ever_Go_Away.mp4 There is currently no cure available for silicosis. However the underlying symptoms can be treated in order to provide some relief and help to control the condition. You can also help to keep this disease from growing worse by limiting your exposure to additional amounts of silica dust. If it is hard to control exposure respirators or masks can help to filter out small silica particles. When it becomes difficult to breathe cough syrup oxygen and bronchodilators can help make your breathing easier. During the 1940s through the 1960s silicosis was a more common occurrence in Australia especially among demolition and construction workers. The number of cases has been reduced by the growing awareness of this disease and the realisation of how important it is to reduce exposure to dust - for example safe work practices such as wetting the dust and wearing masks while working. What are the outcomes of silicosis and how is it treated? Diseases caused by silica exposure are potentially lethal and very serious. Supportive care is the only treatment that is available. That may include antibiotics vaccination against infections using inhalers and quitting smoking. In the latter stages it might be necessary to have a lung transplant or oxygen treatment. Once it has been diagnosed usually the disease progresses over time. A patient who has accelerated silicosis might progress into progressive massive fibrosis over a four to five year period of time. When individuals are diagnosed with silicosis overall they lose 11.6 years of life on average. This is why prevention is so critical. Computed tomography A diagnosis of silicosis is made whenever a person who has worked in the past with silica is given a chest computed tomography (CT) which displays distinctive patterns that are consistent with this disease. To help diagnose this disease a chest x-ray may also be performed. When the findings from imaging are unclear lung tissue samples can help to confirm a diagnosis. In some cases additional tests may be performed in order to distinguish silicosis from other types of disorders. Prevention The key to silicosis prevention is to control silica dust within the workplace. When it is not possible to control the dust which could be true within the sandblasting industry workers need to wear protective gear like special masks that filter tiny particles out efficiently or hoods that provide clean external air. This type of protection might not be available to all individuals who work in an area that is dusty (for example welders and painters) so abrasive other than sand need to be used whenever possible. Workers who are exposed to silica dust need to have chest x-rays done on a regular basis to detect any problems early. Any workers who smoke need to be encouraged to quit. Other preventative measures that are available include an influenza vaccination done on an annual basis as well as a pneumococcal vaccine to help to protect vulnerable workers against infections. Treatments Whole lung lavage To treat corticosteroids accelerated or acute silicosis Treatments for complications and symptoms like drugs that open up the airways and lung transplantation sometimes. There is no cure for silicosis. However it is possible to slow its progression if silica exposure is avoided particularly during the disease's early stages. A whole lung lavage (or washing) may be used for treating both chronic and acute silicosis. During the procedure the lung is filled with a saline (salt) solution by the doctor and then it is drained in order to clear material out of the air spaces. Taking corticosteroids can be beneficial for some individuals who have accelerated or acute silicosis. Individuals who have a hard time breathing might benefit from taking drugs that will help keep them free of mucus and their airways open (bronchodilators - under Treatment of symptoms). The last resort is lung transplantation. Since individuals who have silicosis are at high risk to develop tuberculosis they need to have checkups on a regular basis which include having a tuberculosis skin test performed. Individuals need to be treated and monitored for low levels of oxygen in their blood. Pulmonary rehabilitation might help individuals be able to carry out their daily living activities. Learn more. The post Does Silicosis Ever Go Away? appeared first on Silicosis Law. via Silicosis Law https://silicosislaw.com.au/2019/04/30/does-silicosis-ever-go-away/

https://silicosislaw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Why_Are_So_Many_Workers_Still_Exposed_to.mp4 A Huge Number Of Workers Still Faces Silica Exposure Why? In the Australia between 1 and 2 million employees continue to be exposed to silica according to expert estimates. Will silica has the same effect as asbestos considering the fact that silicosis affects thousands of individuals each year and court cases experiencing a sharp increase. It is however surprising to note that experts still say that they do not have an accurate figure on the number of people afflicted by silicosis even though it is considered to be one of the earliest recognized occupational health conditions. Misinformation Silicosis is commonly undiagnosed or misdiagnosed why is this so? Identifying and tackling the problem of exposure to silica is further complicated by the fact that many believe that silicosis has already been solved. The efforts of the government to use regulation in tackling silica exposure issues are complicated by this misinformation. Its interesting to note that experts are still not sure of the number of people suffering from or lives being claimed by silicosis at present even though its among the oldest known occupational health conditions. The official figures as it stands do not tell how big of an issue this condition is; something that many other experts agree with. Silica continues to be such a big deal in Australia possibly due to the fact that many people believe that it is not an issue anymore. Official Records Inhaling tiny crystals of silica is the main cause of silicosis. These tiny specks lead to the development of swollen tissue around them after they are trapped within the lungs. Death may come about as a result of lung failure as these swollen areas increase in size causing breathing difficulties. Kidney related conditions tuberculosis cancer and immunological disorders are among the health conditions also linked to exposure to silica. From sandblasting and mining to drilling and quarrying exposure to particulate silica matter occupationally occurs in a number of work-related activities. All over the world millions of workers face the risk of developing the disease considering the fact that in a variety of construction and manufacturing processes silica sand is deemed to be an affordable and multipurpose material. Even though the negative health effects of exposure to silica had been identified for many years an estimated two thousand workers were without wearing any respiratory protection drilling a tunnel in silica-rich rock material. The exposure to silica particulate matter led to the death of 1500 of these workers. This occurrence brought the hazardous nature of silica to the limelight and is considered to be the USs most horrible industrial tragedies. The number of people suffering from silicosis is not comprehensively told by the official figure of yearly deaths linked to the condition. The post Why Are So Many Workers Still Exposed to Silica? appeared first on Silicosis Law. via Silicosis Law https://silicosislaw.com.au/2019/04/24/why-are-so-many-workers-still-exposed-to-silica/

https://silicosislaw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/What_Are_The_Major_Symptoms_And_Signs_Of.mp4 Silicosis symptoms may occur from a couple of weeks up to many years after being exposed to silica dust. Typically symptoms get worse over time as the lungs become scarred. Difficulty breathing as an early silicosis symptom Phlegm A nagging cough Later symptoms include the following: Blue lips Swollen legs Shortness of breath Sudden fever Chest pain Weight loss Fatigue Difficulty breathing What Causes Silicosis? This condition is caused by being exposed to crystalline silica when grinding drilling cutting or chipping granite sand soil or other types of minerals. Silicosis can be caused by any occupation where the crust of the earth is disturbed. There is a very long list of various occupations that are well known to cause workers to be exposed to crystalline silica when it is inhaled. They include: Stone cutting Quarrying Steel industry work Ceramics work Glass manufacturing Sand blasting Masonry Tunnel work Construction work Different types of mining including hard rock and coal mining What Are The Risk Factors For Silicosis Silicosis is caused by breathing silica and being exposed to silica dust is the major risk factor. Silicosis can be prevented by limiting exposure. National guidelines are available on the exposure limits for the overall lifetime of working. When your work causes you to be exposed to silica dust by law your employer must provide you with the proper clothing and equipment to protect yourself. It is your responsibility to always use it and to take other necessary steps to get yourself protected as well as your family when you are leaving your job site and going home. It is recommended by NIOSH that a medical exam should be given prior to job placement or when the trade is entered and then every 3 years at least thereafter. Patients who have silicosis also have increased risks for other problems like chronic bronchitis lung cancer and tuberculosis. If you smoke it can help to quit since the lungs are damaged by smoking. When to Visit Your Doctor Any individual who works in an industry that involves being exposed to inhaled silica should have checkups on a regular basis and be monitored for symptoms or signs of lung disease. Also if you have difficulty breathing phlegm or a cough that does not improve your doctor should closely evaluate you. There are some people who have acute silicosis who also have fatigue weight loss and fever. The post What Are The Major Symptoms And Signs Of Silicosis? appeared first on Silicosis Law. via Silicosis Law https://silicosislaw.com.au/2019/04/23/what-are-the-major-symptoms-and-signs-of-silicosis/

https://silicosislaw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/What_Happens_When_You_Breathe_in_Silica_.mp4 Silica is a compound that exists abundantly in human constructions. This compound can be released into the air when drilling chasing jackhammering or otherwise breaking up concrete constructions or bitumen roads. Excavation sites boring into clay or granite also releases this dust into the air. When these compounds enter the lungs they cause a condition called silicosis in which the small particles of silica dust enter the lungs and cause scarring in the delicate tissues. The lungs then lose their flexibility making proper inhalation a difficult task. Once this scarring has developed there is no recovery and the condition is permanent. This condition was first brought to light in the 1700s when a medical scholar named Isbrand van Diemerbroeck made this observation when performing an autopsy on deceased stonecutters. Their lungs contained so much sand he commented that dissecting the pulmonary vesicles was like running my blade through a sandbag. In 1994 a pathologist also commented on a set of lungs that were hard as rocks and did not yield to the blade of the scalpel. These belonged to a patient who died from silicosis. Breathing in this dust also increases the chances of other complications respiratory conditions being the most prominent. Tuberculosis is also a much greater condition when laced with silicosis. Studies have shown that construction workers are at a greater risk of developing lung conditions. Dangers of Dust Asthma Overexposure to dust of all types has led to the condition called asthma. Even very low-toxicity dust like gypsum and marble have been known to cause this unpleasant condition. Asthmatic conditions are long-lasting and must be closely monitored. Some of the most common symptoms include shortness of breath difficulty breathing uncontrollable coughing (especially when exercising or laughing) and a wheezing sound when inhaling and exhaling. Silicosis Intensive and prolonged exposures to RCS (Respirable Crystalline Silica) is almost certain to result in silicosis. As described silicosis is the scarring of lung tissue which leads to hardening and lack of breathability. Symptoms include the quick loss of breath even after moving short distances or walking up a flight of steps. This condition will often set in a few years after prolonged exposure to these compounds even n low concentrations Accelerated silicosis can occur after someone has been exposed to higher levels of silica and the symptoms can take as long as five to 10 years to fully mature. Acute silicosis occurs when exposed to very high amounts of silica in a very short amount of time. The symptoms of these conditions can develop within a few weeks to a couple of years after exposure. Once this condition develops it is irreversible and the patient is most often restricted to their homes or beds and dying fairly early of heart failure. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) This term is used to describe several conditions characterized by a narrowing of the air passages. Some conditions included in COPD are emphysema chronic airway obstruction bronchitis and bronchiectasis. The symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath wheezing coughing as well as increased levels of phlegm and sputum. Some of the side effects can include reduced appetite swollen ankles and occasionally weight loss. Whereas the air passages of an asthmatic will be suddenly constricted COPD causes this narrowing all the time. Lung cancer While its role is still being debated within the medical community RCS has been linked to lung cancers. According to the statistics posted by the Imperial College London around 800 people each year die due to overexposure to RCS and many more cases are diagnosed each year. Other In addition to respiratory issues silicosis has been linked to kidney diseases arthritis and tuberculosis. Read more. The post What Happens When You Breathe in Silica Dust ? appeared first on Silicosis Law. via Silicosis Law https://silicosislaw.com.au/2019/04/10/what-happens-when-you-breathe-in-silica-dust/

https://silicosislaw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/How_Do_You_Prevent_Silicosis-1.mp4 Silicosis Prevention There is no cure for silicosis which is considered to be both disabling and fatal. 300000 hydraulic fracturing maritime and general industry workers and 2 million in the construction sector totalling to 2.3 million face RCS (Respirable Crystalline Silica) exposure at the workplace. Since silicosis can remain undiagnosed for years it can be hard to know if you have any form of the disease. Shortness of breath general feeling of weakness and acute coughing are some of the common symptoms of the condition. Individuals suffering from silicosis are more susceptible to other diseases of the lungs including tuberculosis according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health because the disease weakens the immune system. Here are some recommendations by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to help prevent the occurrence of silicosis: Familiarize yourself with the negative health effects of silica dust and remain as far as possible from it when working. Note: You may still be in danger even if the dust is not visible. Limited spaces should be equipped with spray water systems and adequate ventilation. Respirators specifically designed to protect users against silica dust should be provided to workers by employers if the ventilation and water systems are not sufficient. Health specifically lung screening opportunities offered by employers should be taken advantage of by workers. Before you sit down to drink or eat in any area wash your hands thoroughly. To ensure that you dont spread the dust all over your house or vehicle wear clean clothes after showering before you leave your workplace. The basic approach to protecting employees involves staying on top of occupational hazard exposure. The main method used to identify the best way to put into practice effective and viable guidelines have traditionally been a hierarchy of controls. The following is a summary of the structured system of controls to the exposure of breathable crystalline silica: 1. Elimination: Work-related activities with the highest exposure risk are eliminated. 2. Substitution: Crystalline silica materials are replaced with non-crystalline silica materials. 3. Engineering Regulations: Reducing the concentration of breathable crystalline silica by installing spray water and ventilation systems. 4. Administrative Regulations: Reducing or limiting the number of time workers spend in areas with breathable crystalline silica. 5. Personal Protective Gear: When working around breathable crystalline silica use respirators. The above structure is ideally meant to list the most affordable in the long term protective and effective regulations/controls at the top as opposed to bottom-placed guidelines. Safer working systems minimising the risk of injury and/or sickness are created by following this structure. Learn more about your Silicosis Compensation options here. The post How Do You Prevent Silicosis? appeared first on Silicosis Law. via Silicosis Law https://silicosislaw.com.au/2019/04/04/how-do-you-prevent-silicosis/

https://silicosislaw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/What_Is_Silicosis_Lung_Disease-1.mp4 Silicosis is a breathing system that affects the lungs. It is caused by breathing in tiny particles of silica which is a mineral that constitutes rock sand and some mineral ores (for example quartz). The most susceptible demographic are the individuals who work with silica; for instance glass manufacturers miners and foundry workers are exposed to silica dust. Long-term exposure to silica dust scars the lungs which in turn affects how the lungs function. Long-Term exposure to RCS can result in the formation of fibrosis (which is scarring or hardening) of ones lung tissues. Consequently the lungs are unable to function normally causing suffers experiencing severe breath shortness. The suffer end up having difficulties walking up stairs or short distances. It is also important to note that with increased exposure the effects exacerbate even further. And since the condition is irreversible suffers typically end up bedridden and house-bound. Moreover the vast majority of suffers will die prematurely as a result of heart failure. Silicosis was particularly prevalent in Australias construction and demolitions industry between the 1940s and 60s. However the increased awareness of the need to reduce exposure to silica particles has seen industry workers taking precautions steps to mitigate dust exposure. Some of the steps taken include wetting the dust wearing masks and other safety practices. This reduced the overall number of Silicosis cases. That being said there is a worrying trend of increased reported cases of Silicosis as evidenced by the in New South Wales parliamentary committee hearing. However the increased cases of Silicosis are not emanating from the traditional sources of the ailment. The increased cases of Silicosis are being reported by workers installing engineered stone products. These products are especially popular for tile and benchtop installations. The Effects Of Silicosis On Your Body Silicosis mostly affects the lungs as it damages the lining that covers the air suck. After the particles attach to the lining it causes the scarring which can result in progressive massive fibrosis. The massive scarring results in the stiffening of the lungs making it very difficult to breathe. The main 3 types of silicosis are: The first type is acute silicosis. It causes weight loss coughing and fatigue within just a few weeks or months of exposure to silica. However the symptoms might take as long as years to develop. The second type is the Chronic Silicosis. The symptoms of this type of silicosis appear after 10 to 30 years. It affects the upper lungs and can also cause severe scarring. The third type of silicosis is Accelerated silicosis. It occurs within 10 years of high-level exposure. However silicosis can be classified based on whether it is simple or complicated silicosis. The simple silicosis causes the formation of numerous white spots (known as nodules) that are visible on a chest CT scan or x-ray. On the other hand complicated silicosis causes the formation of large scarring which is also known as massive fibrosis. Generally speaking the more scaring one has the more widespread silicosis is. Additionally the more trouble one will have with regards to breathing owing to the lungs lost capacity to expanding and contracting. It also increases the chances of contracting tuberculosis. When you get silicosis the lung capacity will decrease eventually to the point you will need an oxygen supply to keep breathing. Is Silicosis A Serious Ailment? Silicosis can result in major and extensive lung damage. Learnabout the causes symptoms diagnosis amp; treatment.Readmore. The post What Is Silicosis Lung Disease? appeared first on Silicosis Law. via Silicosis Law https://silicosislaw.com.au/2019/03/28/what-is-silicosis-lung-disease/

https://silicosislaw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Can_Silicosis_Be_Fatal-1.mp4 Yes silicosis is a potentially fatal respiratory disease. The problem is caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica particles. Silica is a mineral that exists in a huge number of natural and artificial mineral compounds. It's found in many common construction materials. Cutting or drilling such materials creates silica dust and the silica particles in that dust may cause silicosis when inhaled. The responsible particles are extremely small. They're invisible to the naked eye. When silica particles settle in the lungs they can cause inflammation and scarring. Enough scarring over time reduces the flexibility of the lungs and creates health problems. The main symptoms of silicosis including coughing chest pain and breathing difficulties tend to get worse over time. Silicosis also increases the risk of developing related health problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) tuberculosis and lung cancer. Silicosis also makes you more susceptible to lung infections and heart failure. While there are ways to treat silicosis and its symptoms the condition may be fatal even with treatment. Silicosis cannot as yet be cured. The good news is that the right steps can prevent the disease and reduce its effects. Most of the treatment techniques currently in use concentrate on managing symptoms and minimizing the disease's negative impact on patients' quality of life. Common silicosis treatments include: Bronchodilators Supplemental oxygen Inhaled corticosteroids Cough-suppressant medications Risk-averse lifestyle changes (e.g. giving up smoking or avoiding hazardous occupations) According to the Lung Institute one of the latest and most promising ways to treat silicosis is with cellular therapy. One of the greatest advantages this technique has to offer is that it may actually be able to slow down the condition's progression. Cellular therapy is a three-step treatment. First a blood sample is collected. Next the cells best able to fight the condition are separated and concentrated. Finally those cells are reintroduced to the patient's bloodstream. This reduces inflammation in the lungs and promotes healing. Cellular therapy for silicosis is a minimally-invasive procedure. It normally takes only two days and patients can go through it on an outpatient basis. For more info about your options for Silicosis compensation click here. The post Can Silicosis Be Fatal? appeared first on Silicosis Law. via Silicosis Law https://silicosislaw.com.au/2019/03/28/can-silicosis-be-fatal/

Silicosis is a breathing system that affects the lungs. It is caused by breathing in tiny particles of silica, which is a mineral that constitutes rock, sand, and some mineral ores (for example quartz). The most susceptible demographic are the individuals who work with silica; for instance, glass manufacturers, miners, and foundry workers are exposed to silica dust. Long-term exposure to silica dust scars the lungs, which in turn affects how the lungs function.

Long-Term exposure to RCS can result in the formation of fibrosis (which is scarring or hardening) of one’s lung tissues. Consequently, the lungs are unable to function normally, causing suffers experiencing severe breath shortness. The suffer end up having difficulties walking up stairs or short distances. It is also important to note that with increased exposure, the effects exacerbate even further. And since the condition is irreversible, suffers typically end up bedridden and house-bound. Moreover, the vast majority of suffers will die prematurely as a result of heart failure.

Silicosis was particularly prevalent in Australia’s construction and demolitions industry between the 1940s and 60s. However, the increased awareness of the need to reduce exposure to silica particles has seen industry workers taking precautions steps to mitigate dust exposure. Some of the steps taken include wetting the dust, wearing masks, and other safety practices. This reduced the overall number of Silicosis cases.

That being said, there is a worrying trend of increased reported cases of Silicosis as evidenced by the in New South Wales parliamentary committee hearing. However, the increased cases of Silicosis are not emanating from the traditional sources of the ailment. The increased cases of Silicosis are being reported by workers installing engineered stone products. These products are especially popular for tile and benchtop installations.

The Effects Of Silicosis On Your Body

Silicosis mostly affects the lungs as it damages the lining that covers the air suck. After the particles attach to the lining, it causes the scarring, which can result in progressive massive fibrosis. The massive scarring results in the stiffening of the lungs, making it very difficult to breathe.

The main 3 types of silicosis are:

The first type is acute silicosis. It causes weight loss, coughing, and fatigue within just a few weeks or months of exposure to silica. However, the symptoms might take as long as years to develop.

The second type is the Chronic Silicosis. The symptoms of this type of silicosis appear after 10 to 30 years. It affects the upper lungs and can also cause severe scarring.

The third type of silicosis is Accelerated silicosis. It occurs within 10 years of high-level exposure.

However, silicosis can be classified based on whether it is simple or complicated silicosis. The simple silicosis causes the formation of numerous white spots (known as nodules) that are visible on a chest CT scan or x-ray. On the other hand, complicated silicosis causes the formation of large scarring, which is also known as massive fibrosis.

Generally speaking, the more scaring one has, the more widespread silicosis is. Additionally, the more trouble one will have with regards to breathing owing to the lung’s lost capacity to expanding and contracting. It also increases the chances of contracting tuberculosis.

When you get silicosis, the lung capacity will decrease, eventually, to the point, you will need an oxygen supply to keep breathing.

Is Silicosis A Serious Ailment?

Silicosis can result in major and extensive lung damage. Such cases of silicosis cause more than 100 deaths per annum in the United States.

The post What Is Silicosis Lung Disease? appeared first on Silicosis Law.

via Silicosis Law https://silicosislaw.com.au/2019/03/17/what-is-silicosis-lung-disease/

https://silicosislaw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Seeking_a_Silicosis_Law_Expert-1.mp4 Do not hesitate getting in contact with a Silicosis Law expert today. Call us now for a chat about your options on 1300 48 44 92. We are here to help you. The post Seeking a Silicosis Law Expert? appeared first on Silicosis Law. via Silicosis Law https://silicosislaw.com.au/2019/03/14/seeking-a-silicosis-law-expert/