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Silicosis - acute

Definition:

Acute silicosis is lung inflammation due to breathing in large amounts of silica dust or silicon dioxide over several months.

Alternative Names:

Silicoproteinosis; progressive massive fibrosis

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 U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations that require protective equipment.

References:

Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2007: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment . 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby; 2006.

Glazer CS, Newman LS. Occupational interstitial lung disease. Clin Chest Med . September 2004;25:467-478.

Pipavath S, Godwin JD. Imaging of interstitial lung disease. Clin Chest Med . September 2004;25:455-465.

Respiratory system

Review Date: 3/1/2007
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D. Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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