What is Silicosis
Silicosis is a lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica, a mineral that is part of sand, rock, and mineral ores such as quartz.
Over time, exposure to silica particles causes scarring in the lungs, which can harm your ability to breathe.
Silicosis is caused by exposure to crystalline silica, which comes from chipping, cutting, drilling, or grinding soil, sand, granite, or other minerals. Any occupation where the earth’s crust is disturbed can cause silicosis. A long list of occupations are known that expose workers to crystalline silica that is inhaled.