The disease is characterized by difficulty in breathing, loss of weight, fever, and coughing. Many sufferers of acute silicosis are young, active people. When TB was more widespread, it occurred as a common complication of silicosis. To prevent silicosis, dust control is necessary. This may mean wetting down mines and improving ventilation, or special suits and breathing apparatus.
Experts disagree on whether the protection now given workers is adequate.
Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis. Coal workers' pneumoconiosis, commonly called black lung disease, is a potential danger for all coal miners. The simple form of the disease affects an estimated 10 to 30 percent of these workers. The condition is more prevalent in miners of anthracite coal than in miners of bituminous coal. Silica, kaolin, mica, beryllium, copper, basalt, cobalt, and other minerals have also been found in miners' lungs.