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Silicosis - acute
Definition:
Silicosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling silicon dioxide or crystalline silica dust without adequate protection. Acute silicosis is lung inflammation caused by intense exposure to silica over several months. Chronic silicosis, in contrast, is when lung scarring, nodules, and inflammation develop slowly from decades of exposure to silica dusts. Alternative Names:
Silicoproteinosis Text Continues Below
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
The disease occurs mainly in people who work in sandblasting, mining, quarrying, grinding, and those who work in foundries. Silicosis is becoming less common due to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations that require protective equipment.
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