Types of Pneumoconiosis

Different Types of Pneumoconiosis

Pneumoconiosis is the medical name for an occupational or restrictive lung disease that is primarily caused by the inhalation of dust. Individual diseases have their own names that are derived from the nature of dust that causes the disease. Different types of Pneumoconiosis include:

Asbestosis is caused by asbestos fibres getting into the lungs and causing scarring to the lung tissue. It is usually found in people who have been extensively exposed to asbestos through working in mining, manufacturing, handling or removal of asbestos.

Silicosis is also known as ‘Miner’s Phthisis’ or ‘Grinder’s Asthma’, but it is primarily caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust. It has been recognised since the days of the ancient Greeks and Romans when lung problems in miners were identified.

Anthracosis is also known as ‘Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis’ or ‘Black Lung’, and is mainly brought on by the inhalation of large volumes of coal dust. It has similarities to silicosis in that over time large volumes of coal dust can enter the lung, where the body cannot remove them and as a result the dust remains within the tissue of the lung’s lining.

Bauxite Fibrosis, also referred to as ‘Shaver’s Disease’, is brought on through exposure to bauxite fumes which contain both aluminium and silica particles. It is most common among people who work, or have worked, in the bauxite smelting industry. The disease causes shortness of breath and can lead to the development of emphysema.

Siderosis is the name for any condition brought on by the excessive accumulation of iron particles within the body. When referring to the lungs, it is normally caused by excessive inhalation of dust containing iron salts or particles.

Byssinosis is also known as ‘Brown Lung Disease’ and is caused by exposure to cotton dust. It is most commonly found among people who work, or have worked in the textile industry and is particularly common where adequate ventilation was not provided.

Stannosis is generally caused by the inhalation of tin oxide and is a common disease found among tin miners.

Berylliosis is another chronic lung disease that is generally caused by the inhalation or exposure to dust, this time from Berylium; an element used in the production of many types of metal alloys.