Acute Silicosis

Occupational diseases are caused through exposure to hazardous substances and dangerous workplace conditions. The term is a broad one that houses many different types of illness and disease including acute silicosis.

Most people who develop and suffer from acute silicosis have normally been exposed to high levels of silica over a short period of time. Silica is a natural mineral that can be found in rock and when continually breathed in. It is because of this that the people that are most at risk of developing acute silicosis are people who are involved within the construction, quarrying, stone-working, grinding, mining, as well as sand-blasting and glass manufacturing.

Some of the symptoms of acute silicosis include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Cyanosis (bluish skin)

Also people who are suffering from acute silicosis will have low levels of oxygen present in their blood and also may suffer from fluid on their lungs. It also causes inflammation and scarring in the form of nodular lesions in the upper lobes of the lungs. It is sometimes often misdiagnosed as pneumonia or tuberculosis.

When these small silica dust particles are inhaled there is the possibility that they will embed themselves deeply into the tiny alveolar sacs and the ducts within the lungs, which is where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. The lungs can then not clear out the dust by mucous or coughing.

If you suspect that you are suffering from acute silicosis it is essential that you visit your doctor as soon as you can to get the problem checked out. Acute silicosis can have a serious effect on your life and has the potential to cause permanent damage to your lungs.

If you are suffering from acute silicosis you may be able to claim compensation from your employer for the symptoms that you are suffering from.

If you would like to know more about claiming for compensation after suffering from acute silicosis then get in touch with Accident Consultant today by calling us on 08081 68 69 70 and speak to one of our highly trained solicitors.