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Home  >  Articles  >  What is Silicosis?

What is Silicosis?

Silicosis, once known as potter’s rot, is a respiratory disease that results from breathing silica dust. Silica is found in sand and most rock beds, so many different occupations are at risk for exposure. Frustratingly, silicosis has no cure, but removing yourself from the source of the particles can halt the progression of the disease.

Silicosis is a serious occupational disorder that may force you to stop working in order to prevent the disease from worsening. In these cases, you may require disability payments to make up for lost wages. To learn more about the financial compensation that you deserve, please contact an experienced New Jersey workers’ comp attorney from Levinson Axelrod, P.A. today at 800-346-5529.

Types of Silicosis

There are three main types of silicosis, and the differences between them depend on the intensity and duration of silica dust exposure. These include:

  • Simple chronic – long-term, low-intensity exposure
  • Accelerated – short-term, medium-intensity exposure
  • Acute – very short-term, high-intensity exposure

Silicosis can cause inflammation and swelling in the lungs, which hinders your ability to breathe. With acute silicosis, the lungs can become so irritated that they fill with fluid. This can lead to low oxygen levels in your blood.

Occupations Associated with Silicosis

Because silica dust occurs in most rocks and all sand, any occupation that works with these materials carries a risk for silicosis. The common careers associated with this lung disorder include:

  • Miners and quarry workers
  • Road construction workers
  • Sand blasters
  • Stone cutters

If you work in one of these fields, it is important to wear the proper safety gear to protect your lungs.

Contact Us

If you now suffer from silicosis due to your occupation, you may be entitled to workers’ comp benefits. Contact a tenacious New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyer from Levinson Axelrod, P.A. at 800-346-5529 today to learn more about your legal options.