What is silicosis?

Silicosis is a respiratory disease that is caused by inhalation of dust containing the mineral silica. Silica is a very common element in the earth, so people who work in quarries or in professions in which they are exposed to large amount of dust are prone to silicosis, which causes inflammation of the lungs, lesions, and can lead to shortness of breath or other symptoms related to advanced emphysema. There is no cure for silicosis, but the symptoms can be treated. As such, emphasis is on prevention, and where employers do not provide adequate prevention techniques may face lawsuits.