Stages of Silicosis

Over time, exposure to silica particles or dust causes scarring in the lungs, which can harm a person's ability to breathe. This dust can cause fibrosis, or scarring, of the tissue in the lungs, which reduces the lung's ability to extract oxygen from the air. There is no cure for this disease. Prevention is the only answer.

There are several stages of silicosis. Early stages may go completely unnoticed. Continued exposure may result in the exposed person noticing a shortness of breath upon exercising, running a fever, and having occasionally bluish skin at the ear lobes or lips (known as "cyanosis"). Progression of the disease leads to fatigue, extreme shortness of breath, loss of appetite, chest pain, and respiratory failure. Any or all of these may eventually lead to death.

To learn more about Silica Safety visit our General & Maritime Silica Safety Online Training web page.