Silicosis

Question 1

Silica

Answer 1

Crystalline SiO2 (quartz)

Question 2

Where is quartz found

Answer 2

Sedimentary, Igneous and metamorphic rocks

Question 3

Main mineral in desert sand and beaches

Answer 3

Quartz

Question 4

Building products that contain silica

Answer 4

concrete, bricks

Question 5

Cells that attack silica

Answer 5

Macrophages

Question 6

What do macrophages do

Answer 6

• engulf silica to try and dissolve crystals
• carry silica into walls of the lung

Question 7

Forms around dead cells

Answer 7

Scar tissue

Question 8

Accumulation of excess fibrous connective tissue (fibrosis) leads to what

Answer 8

thickening of lung walls which causes reduced O2 supply to blood

Question 9

Scar tissue formation caused by

Answer 9

Accumulation of excess fibrous connective tissue (fibrosis)

Question 10

Consequence of scar tissue formation in lungs

Answer 10

Shortness of breath

Question 11

Pulmonary fibrosis

Answer 11

Progressive, fatal lung disease - few survive more than 3-5yrs after diagnosis

Question 12

Silicosis cause

Answer 12

Exposure to crystalline silica

Question 13

Occupations known to expose workers to crystalline silica

Answer 13

• mining
• construction
• tunnel work
• masonry
• sand blasting
• glass manufacturing
• ceramics
• steel work
• quarrying
• stone cutting

Question 14

Symptoms of acute silicosis

Answer 14

fever, sharp chest pain, breathing difficulty

Question 15

Chronic silicosis symptoms

Answer 15

• cough
• breathing difficulty
• excess phlegm
• bronchitis-like
• wheezing
• abnormal chest x-ray

Question 16

Chromic symptoms of silicosis develop ____________ and acute develop ____________

Answer 16

slow, suddenly

Question 17

Leg swelling, increased breathing rate, bluish discolouration of lips

Answer 17

Effects of extensive scarring in lung tissue over time

Question 18

Is silicosis reversible/curable

Answer 18

No

Question 19

Ways to reduce dust exposure

Answer 19

Water: suppress dust
Vacuums: capture dust
Respirator

Question 20

Good hygiene at work with dust exposure

Answer 20

• no eating or drinking in dusty areas
• washing hands/face
• smoking outside dusty area
• change of clothes
• shower before leaving
• park cars away

Question 21

Where is silica found in relation to coal

Answer 21

In the sandstone and shale layers (deeper than coal)

Question 22

Black lung

Answer 22

Coal workers pneumoconiosis caused by long-term exposure to coal dust