Sillicosis, also known potter's rot, is a disease which cause the chronic lung disordder for many people from differenet jobs. This disorder is due to inhalation of crystalline silica dust, moreover, deblilitating lung problems can occur from this symptom in a long term. Dispointedly, it is impossible to repair damage occurred of sillicosis but its development can be stopped.
Crystalline silica is a common component of soil, sand, and other materials. Many people have come into contact with crystalline silica hardened into minerals like quartz, cristobalite, and tridymite. Whenever workers chip or grind at these hardened forms of silica, it can release the dust into the air, where you can inhale these damaging particles. Potter's rot can affect workers in several different fields, including:
- Stonecutting
- Foundry work
- Blasting
- Tunneling
- Quarrying
- Rock drilling
There are three types of silicosis, depending on the extent of the damage. First, chronic or classic silicosis occurs after long-term, low exposure. You may have shortness of breath, but you may not realize that you have any damage until you have an x-ray. Next, accelerated silicosis happens after 5-10 years of high exposure, and it is classified by serious shortness of breath as well as weakness and weight loss.
Lastly, acute silicosis describes the lung damage that occurs after only 2 months to two years of exposure to extremely high amounts of silica dust. Sadly, this form of the disease often leads to death.
If you have developed a form of silicosis due to workplace exposure to silica dust, you may be entitled to financial compensation to make up for your lost wages as well as pain and suffering. To discuss your legal options, you should contact a Raleigh workplace injury attorney from Scudder & Hedrick, PLLC, today.
The Serious Risks Of Silicosis