Linking to a nonfederal website does not constitute an endorsement by cdc or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. These examples are from the cambridge english corpus and from sources on the web. Add the power of cambridge dictionary to your website using our free search box widgets. Silicosis definition in the cambridge english dictionary.
Romtrasforming growth factorbeta tgfbeta in silicosis. Over time, lung capacity decreases, and people with silicosis may need support with oxygen and. Silicosis definition, a disease of the lungs caused by the inhaling of siliceous particles, as by stonecutters. Silicosis is the most common occupational lung disease worldwide. Silicosis is a form of occupational lung disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust. The osha final rule reduces the permissible exposure limit pel for respirable crystalline silica rcs to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, matching the niosh rel. Silicosis causes slowly progressive fibrosis of the lungs, impairment of lung function and a tendency to tuberculosis of the lungs crystalline silica of respirable size is primarily quartz dust occurring in industrial and occupational settings in the form of fine, breathable particles. It is marked by inflammation and scarring in the form of nodular lesions in the upper lobes of the lungs. Exposure to coal mine dust andor crystalline silica results in pneumoconiosis with initiation and progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Free silica is dispersed in the air and inhaled by workers engaged in the mining of lead, hard coal, and gold, in cutting sandstone and granite, in sandblasting, and in the manufacture of silica abrasives.
A disease of the lungs caused by continued inhalation of the dust of siliceous minerals and characterized by progressive fibrosis and a chronic shortness. From 1991 to 1995, china reported more than 24,000 deaths due to silicosis each year. Years of potential life lost to age 65 and to life expectancy by race and sex, u. Silicosis definition of silicosis by merriamwebster. Silicosis resulted in 46,000 deaths in 20 down from 55,000 deaths in 1990. Silicosis is a condition caused by inhaling too much silica over a long period of time. Silicosis prognosis and treatment often depend on how far the condition has progressed, as well as whether the condition has led to the development of any additional health concerns. It occurs everywhere, but is especially common in developing countries. A form of lung disease resulting from occupational exposure to silica dust over a period of years.
Silicosis is marked by the formation of lumps nodules and fibrous scar tissue in the lungs. Because there is no effective treatment for silicosis, prevention through exposure control is essential. And best of all its ad free, so sign up now and start using at home or in the classroom. Silicosis article about silicosis by the free dictionary. Silicosis definition is pneumoconiosis characterized by massive fibrosis of the lungs resulting in shortness of breath and caused by prolonged inhalation of silica dusts.
Any opinions in the examples do not represent the opinion of the cambridge dictionary editors or of cambridge university press or its licensors. Silicosis definition of silicosis by medical dictionary. Silicosis particularly the acute form is characterized by shortness of breath, cough, fever, and cyanosis bluish skin. Silica is a highly common, crystallike mineral found in sand, rock, and quartz. Silicosis is a form of pneumoconiosis, meaning that it is a respiratory disease caused by inhaling particles of. Silicosis definition of silicosis by the free dictionary.
It is the oldest known occupational lung disease, and is caused by exposure to inhaled particles of silica, mostly from quartz in. Browse our dictionary apps today and ensure you are never again lost for. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the cdc website the centers for disease control and prevention cdc cannot attest to the accuracy of a nonfederal website. Greenberg, md, mph, javier waksman, md, and john curtis, md introduction silicosis is a potentially fatal, irreversible. Dec 11, 2018 silicosis can progress even after a person is no longer exposed to the dust, causing severe shortness of breath years later. In most circumstances, silicosis only develops subsequent to.