Silicosis, acute

Category

Pneumoconiosis (Pulmonary Fibrosis)

Acute/Chronic

Subacute

Synonyms

Silicoproteinosis; Silica pneumoconiosis, acute;

Biomedical References

Comments

Acute silicosis is rare. It develops after a brief, heavy exposure to fine silica dust with a latency period of several months. In the past the condition was observed among sandblasters and workers who tunneled through hard rock without respiratory protection. Radiographically, acute silicosis resembles alveolar proteinosis with ground glass opacities. Patients with acute silicosis rapidly deteriorate into respiratory insufficiency. [Harber, p. 382-383] [LaDou, p. 378-80] See "Silicosis, complicated" and "Silicosis, simple."

Latency/Incubation

". . . intense exposure to fine dust of high silica content over a several-month period." [LaDou, p. 379]

Diagnostic

Chest x-ray; Pulmonary function test

ICD-9 Code

502

ICD-10 Code

J62.8

Reference Link

Symptoms/Findings

Symptoms/Findings associated with this disease:

• clubbing
• cough
• diffuse infiltrates
• dyspnea, exertional
• inspiratory rales
• pulmonary edema
• sputum production
• weight loss

Job Tasks

High risk job tasks associated with this disease:

• Blast, drill, remove, or crush rock
• Grind or cut tiles, stones, concrete, bricks, or terrazzo
• Load or dump dusty rock, stone, or sand
• Make products from silica powder/stone or other fibrogenic minerals
• Use abrasives containing silica or silicon carbide
• Use hand-held saw or grinder to remove brick mortar

Agents

Hazardous agents that cause the occupational disease:

• Silica, crystalline