Silicosis

Abstract

Silicosis is a fibrotic lung disease caused by inhalation of free crystalline silicon dioxide or silica. Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust particles occurs in many industries. Phagocytosis of crystalline silica in the lung causes lysosomal damage, activating the NALP3 inflammasome and triggering the inflammatory cascade with subsequent fibrosis. Impairment of lung function increases with disease progression, even after the patient is no longer exposed. Diagnosis of silicosis needs carefully documented records of occupational exposure and radiological features, with exclusion of other competing diagnoses. Mycobacterial diseases, airway obstruction, and lung cancer are associated with silica dust exposure. As yet, no curative treatment exists, but comprehensive management strategies help to improve quality of life and slow deterioration. Further efforts are needed for recognition and control of silica hazards, especially in developing countries.

Anti-Aging Effects of Monomethylsilanetriol and Maltodextrin-Stabilized Orthosilicic Acid on Nails, Skin and Hair

“…Its importance in human health has been reported from Louis Pasteur, who was aware of the antiseptic, antimicrobial and antifermentative properties of silicates and predicted that silicon would play a significant role in the treatment of various diseases [21]. However, until a few decades ago the medical emphasis given to Si was directed primarily at the concern about the potential toxicity of its particulate insoluble chemical forms (silicates and crystalline silica), which could cause urolithiasis when ingested orally and especially pneumoconioses (silicosis, asbestosis) caused by inhalation of airborne particles from occupational exposure [19,22,23]. However, more recent experiments and studies employing bioavailable and non-toxic forms of silicon have increasingly contributed to its establishment as a quasi-essential element and/or as a therapeutic adjuvant, emphasizing its structural role in connective tissue and a possible metabolic importance [3,19,24].…”

Annexin A1 mimetic peptide controls the inflammatory and fibrotic effects of silica particles in mice

“…This disease mainly affects workers in the ceramic industry, glass manufacturing, sandblasting, mining, quarrying and civil construction (Leung et al, 2012;Singer et al, 2012). Silicosis is a problem worldwide, but it is prevalent in countries of low and middle income.…”

“…Silicosis is a problem worldwide, but it is prevalent in countries of low and middle income. China had more than 500 000 cases recorded between 1991 and 1995, and 6000 new cases and more than 24 000 deaths are reported annually (Leung et al, 2012). In Brazil more than 4500 workers were reported to have silicosis between 1978 and 1998, especially in the gold-mining area in Minas Gerais (Carneiro et al, 2006).…”

Pneumoconiosis

“…7 Crystalline silica is found in many types of stone, but sandstone is approximately 70% silica and therefore stonemasons -particularly if using angle grinders which generate large quantities of respirable dust -are at high risk of developing silicosis. Other groups at risk are quarry workers and tunnellers, foundry and pottery workers, and construction workers (such as paviers, who frequently cut or break stone, concrete or brick).…”