jaeauctions.blogg.se - From dust you came and to dust you will go

make sure you're aware of the correct procedures to reduce your risk of exposure to silica dust.warn you about any risks to your health.In the UK, all workplaces must comply with The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, which sets a workplace exposure limit for silica. Silicosis can be prevented by avoiding prolonged exposure to silica dust. In very severe cases, a lung transplant may be an option, although there are strict health requirements to meet before this will be considered. You'll be given a course of antibiotics if you develop a bacterial chest infection. You may be offered long-term oxygen therapy if you're having difficulty breathing and have low levels of oxygen in your blood.īronchodilator medicines may also be prescribed to widen your airways and make breathing easier. have the annual flu vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine.

have regular tests to check for TB, if advised by your doctor.

ensure you're not exposed to any more silica.

The risk of complications may be reduced if you: The condition may continue to get worse, leading to further lung damage and serious disability, although this may happen very slowly over many years. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. There's no cure for silicosis because the lung damage can't be reversed.

lung function testing (spirometry), which involves breathing into a machine called a spirometer to assess how well your lungs are workingĪ test for TB may also be recommended because you're more likely to get TB if you have silicosis.

a computerised tomography (CT) scan of your chest to produce more detailed images of your lungs.

a chest X-ray to detect abnormalities in the structure of your lungs.

If silicosis is suspected, you may be referred to a specialist for further tests to confirm the diagnosis. They'll want to know about any periods when you may have been exposed to silica and whether you were issued with any safety equipment, such as a face mask, when you were working. They'll ask you about your symptoms and work history, and listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. See your GP if you think there's a possibility you could have silicosis.

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

tuberculosis (TB) and other chest infections.

Silicosis can also increase your risk of getting other serious and potentially life-threatening conditions, including: The condition can ultimately be fatal if the lungs stop working properly (respiratory failure) or serious complications develop, but this is rare in the UK. Some people may eventually find simple activities such as walking or climbing stairs very difficult and may be largely confined to their house or bed. If the condition continues to get worse, these symptoms may become more severe. Occasionally, it can occur after only a few months of very heavy exposure. Silicosis usually develops after being exposed to silica for 10-20 years, although it can sometimes develop after 5-10 years of exposure. The symptoms can also continue to get worse, even if you're no longer exposed. The symptoms of silicosis usually take many years to develop, and you may not notice any problems until after you've stopped working with silica dust.

pottery, ceramics and glass manufacturing.

construction and demolition – as a result of exposure to concrete and paving materials.

stone masonry and stone cutting – especially with sandstone.

People who work in the following industries are particularly at risk: Lung tissue that's scarred in this way doesn't function properly. Once inside the lungs, it causes swelling (inflammation) and gradually leads to areas of hardened and scarred lung tissue (fibrosis). Working with these materials can create a very fine dust that can be easily inhaled. Silica is a substance naturally found in certain types of stone, rock, sand and clay.

Silicosis is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling large amounts of crystalline silica dust, usually over many years.