It is a dust disease, and comes from breathing in free crystalline silica dust. All types of mining in which the ore is extracted from quartz rock can produce silicosis if precautions are not taken. Workers in foundries, sandstone grinding, tunneling, sandblasting, concrete breaking, granite carving, and china manufacturing also encounter silica. Large silica particles are stopped in the upper airways. But the tiniest specks of silica can be carried down to the alveoli where they lead to pulmonary fibrosis.
Silicosis is found in various stages.
It can be either mild or severe, occurring in direct proportion to the percentage and concentration of silica in the air and the duration of exposure. Breathlessness during exercise usually is the first symptom. Silicosis can be prevented by measures specifically designed for each industry and each job. Dust control is essential. Sometimes this is accomplished by the wetting down of mines, improved ventilation, or the wearing of masks.