Title:Silicosis in Current Scenario: A Review of Literature
Volume: 12
Issue: 1
Author(s): Sukanta Sen, Ritabrata Mitra, Shatavisa Mukherjee, Prasanta K. Das and Saibal Moitra
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Occupational lung diseases, crystalline silica, silicosis, silico-tuberculosis, interstitial lung disease, lung cancer,
primary prevention.
Abstract: Silicosis is one of the oldest occupational diseases known to man. It is an irreversible fibrotic
lung disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silicon dioxide or silica. In spite of optimal regulation
in the developed countries, exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust is still a major occupational
health problem however the scenario is far more adverse in the industrially developing
countries. The USA, Europe, China and India are listed in the top among the countries where the prevalence of silicosis is
still extremely high and approximately more than 5 million people are exposed to respirable silica dust globally however
the number is still too low because of almost parallel numbers of undiagnosed cases. Silica induces a series of inflammatory
reactions that further trigger a chronic or acute fibrotic change in the lungs. Silicosis is often followed by other comorbidities
among which tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cancer are most prevalent. As
of now, there is no curative treatment however inclusive management strategies may help to recover quality of life and
slow deterioration. Regular medical examinations should be available to all workers who may be exposed to crystalline
silica. Further efforts are needed for recognition and control of silica hazards, especially in developing countries.
