Many workers across construction, manufacturing, and other high-risk industries are regularly exposed to silica dust — often without proper protection. Despite strict workplace safety laws, some employers fail to implement the necessary precautions, putting workers at risk of serious, irreversible lung disease.
One of the most severe conditions caused by silica exposure is silicosis — a progressive lung disease that leads to scarring, breathing difficulties, and long-term health complications.
But what is silicosis, and how does it develop? In this guide, we’ll explore its causes, symptoms, and risks, as well as how to claim compensation if your employer failed to keep you safe.
What is silicosis?
Silicosis is a serious and incurable lung disease caused by long-term exposure to silica dust. When tiny silica particles are inhaled, they become embedded in the lungs, triggering inflammation, scarring, and permanent damage. Over time, this leads to breathing difficulties, reduced lung function, and life-altering complications.
This condition primarily affects workers in high-risk industries where materials containing silica (such as stone, concrete, and ceramics) are cut, drilled, or ground. Affected occupations include warehouse, factory and agricultural workers, where silicone is commonly found in materials on-site.
What causes silicosis?
Silicosis develops when fine and non-biodegradable silica dust particles are inhaled. They rub against the lining of the lungs and abdomen, causing inflammation and scarring as the body struggles to break down the particles. The disease can lead to reduced lung function , chronic respiratory issues and even life-threatening complications.
Long-term exposure to silica dust is the primary cause of silicosis, particularly in dusty work environments where cutting, grinding, or drilling silica-containing materials releases fine particles into the air. The risk is significantly higher when personal protective equipment (PPE), such as ventilation systems and respiratory masks, is not provided or is inadequate.
What are the symptoms of silicosis?
As with conditions like asbestosis or mesothelioma, silicosis symptoms can take years or even decades to develop after exposure. Over time, these symptoms worsen and can lead to severe health conditions later in life. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue and weakness
- Unintentional weight loss
In advanced cases, silicosis can cause severe lung disease, respiratory failure, and increase the risk of tuberculosis or lung cancer.
Who is at risk of developing silicosis?
If you work in a role that requires the drilling, grinding or sawing of materials that might contain silica dust, you might be at high risk of developing silicosis later in life. Some of the most common occupations that are at risk of developing silicosis are:
- Construction workers — Exposure from cutting or demolishing concrete, bricks, and tiles.
- Miners and quarry workers — Exposure from rock dust during extraction and processing.
- Stonemasons — Exposure from shaping granite, sandstone, and other stone materials.
- Foundry workers — Exposure from sand used in metal casting.
- Warehouse and factory workers — Exposure from manufacturing ceramics, glass, and silicate products.
Without proper safety measures in place to control silicate dust exposure including ventilation, dust suppression, and PPE, workplaces that generate silica dust pose a serious health risk to employees.
How is silicosis diagnosed and treated?
Silicosis is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, imaging tests, and lung function assessments. These tests help doctors determine the severity of lung damage and whether workplace silica exposure is a likely cause. Diagnostic methods include:
Chest X-rays or CT scans — Used to detect lung scarring and abnormalities.
Pulmonary function tests — Doctors will measure your lung capacity and airflow restriction.
Medical history review — Doctors will examine any potential workplace exposure to silica dust from your history.
Although silicosis has no cure, treatment focuses on managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and improving quality of life. Doctors aim to manage symptoms and prevent further lung damage by using:
- Medication — Bronchodilators and corticosteroids to ease breathing difficulties.
- Oxygen therapy — Helps relieve shortness of breath in severe cases.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation — This can improve lung function through breathing exercises
- Lung transplantation — In the most extreme cases where lung damage is severe, a lung transplant might be necessary.
Can I claim compensation for silicosis?
If you have been diagnosed with silicosis due to workplace exposure, you may be eligible to claim compensation. Employers have a legal duty of care to protect workers from harmful dust exposure by implementing safety measures, providing PPE and maintaining a safe work environment. If they failed to do so, and you developed silicosis as a result, they could be held legally responsible.
In order to be eligible to make a silicosis claim, you must have a silicosis diagnosis, proof you were exposed at work and proof your employer’s negligence played a part. There is also a three year time limit you have to make a claim after a diagnosis, so it’s important to act quickly in order to secure the compensation you deserve.
How Injury Lawyers 4u can help
If you or a loved one has developed silicosis due to unsafe working conditions, you shouldn’t have to suffer the consequences alone. At Injury Lawyers 4u, our specialist solicitors have decades of experience handling industrial disease claims, helping workers secure the compensation they deserve.
We understand the life-changing impact of silicosis and will handle your case with care, expertise, and respect. From gathering evidence to negotiating your settlement, we’ll guide you through every step of the claims process.
Ready to start your claim? Contact us today for a free consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Can silicosis be cured?
While silicosis is an irreversible lung disease, treatments like medication, oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
How long does silicosis take to develop?
Symptoms of silicosis may take 10 to 30 years to appear after exposure. In cases of intense exposure, symptoms can sometimes develop within only a few years.
What should I do if I am showing symptoms of silicosis?
If you’re experiencing persistent coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain and have a history of silica dust exposure, you should see a doctor as soon as possible for a full evaluation. Early diagnosis is vital in managing symptoms and preventing further complications.
If your condition is linked to workplace exposure, you may also want to seek legal advice to explore your compensation options.