[Working as a sandblaster can cause silicosis].

Abstract

Silicosis is a common occupational disease worldwide. It is caused by the inhalation of crystalline silicon dioxide, i.e. silica. Quartz is a common form of silica and occurs in sandstone and granite. Occupational exposure can occur e.g. in mining, quarrying and sandblasting. The inhaled silica triggers an inflammatory response when phagocytosed which eventually causes fibrosis. We present a 45-year-old male Danish sandblaster who developed silicosis, and due to rapid decline in lung function received a lung transplant with an excellent result.

• Authors: Jacob Schelde, Georg Authried, Helle Dall Madsen, Michael Perch, David Lee Sherson
• Journal: Ugeskrift for laeger (Ugeskr Laeger) Vol. 177 Issue 2A Pg. 46-7 (Jan 26 2015) ISSN: 1603-6824 [Electronic] Denmark
• Vernacular Title: Arbejde med sandblæsning kan give lungesilikose.
• PMID: 25612962 (Publication Type: Case Reports)

Chemical References

• Quartz

Topics

• Forced Expiratory Volume
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Occupational Exposure (adverse effects)
• Quartz (adverse effects)
• Silicosis (diagnosis, etiology, surgery)