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/