Silicosis is a profoundly dangerous disease because its causes irreversible, progressive scarring of lung tissue, which leads to permanent respiratory impairment and severe disability. In extreme cases, the condition often proves fatal.
Silicosis is usually associated with high-risk occupations, such as mining and quarrying, foundry work, and sandblasting, among other industries. But even cutting to shape and installing a quartz kitchen countertop can pose a danger to human health.
In this gallery, we examine the causes of silicosis and the signs and symptoms associated with this potentially deadly disease for which there is no cure. Click on to continue reading.