What Are the Symptoms of Silicosis?

8 August 2024

Silicosis is a chronic lung disease that develops when tiny particles of crystalline silica dust—often found in materials like sandstone, concrete, and even sandblasting grit—are inhaled.

Many Australian workplaces involve working with dust, from construction sites and mines to foundries and sandblasting operations. While dust may seem like a minor inconvenience, prolonged exposure can lead to a serious occupational lung disease. If you’ve been diagnosed with silicosis and suspect it’s work-related, you may be entitled to compensation in Australia.

This article will explore the dangers of silicosis, focusing on who is most at risk, the symptoms to watch out for, and what to do if you suspect the disease, including navigating potential compensation claims.

Quick Links

What is silicosis?
What are the symptoms of silicosis?
Who is most likely to be at risk?
Employer obligations to prevent silicosis

The engineered stone link and ban
Proving your claim: The role of a lawyer
FAQs

What are the symptoms of silicosis?

Depending on the level of exposure to silica, symptoms of silicosis could take years to develop. They can lurk undetected for anywhere between five and over 30 years after your first exposure to silica dust.

In other cases, the early stages of the disease may show no symptoms at all. However, some of the most common symptoms associated with silicosis include:

Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Fatigue
Dry cough.

As silicosis progresses, symptoms can worsen and daily activities, such as sleeping, climbing stairs or eating, become difficult. Additionally, exposure to silica dust increases the risk of developing other serious conditions, including:

Tuberculosis
Emphysema
Lung cancer
Chest infections
Kidney damage.

Early detection is essential. If you work in a dusty environment or experience these symptoms, consult a doctor to discuss your risk factors. If you decide to pursue compensation, this medical evidence will become an important part of your claim.

Who is most likely to be at risk?

While silicosis can affect anyone who breathes in silica dust, certain occupations pose a significantly higher risk. According to Health Direct, these include:

Sandblasting: The intense process of sandblasting creates a concentrated cloud of silica dust, making it one of the most hazardous jobs for silica exposure.
Stone masonry and stone cutting: Cutting, shaping, and grinding stone materials like sandstone or granite release silica dust into the air.
Construction and demolition: Dust from demolition activities and construction materials like concrete can contain silica.
Mining and quarrying: Workers in mines and quarries are exposed to various dusts, including silica-containing ones.
Pottery, ceramics and glass manufacturing: The processes involved in creating these materials can generate silica dust.

Working in one of these industries doesn’t mean you will automatically develop silicosis. The severity of exposure is a key factor.

Silicosis develops from repeated and prolonged inhalation of silica dust, not a single instance. These workplaces often have high dust concentrations, increasing risk over time. Factors like the amount of silica in the dust and the use of proper safety equipment will also influence the risk of developing the disease.

While silicosis can theoretically occur outside of a workplace due to very high dust exposure (like living near a sandblasting operation), the workplace environment poses a significantly higher and more consistent threat.

Employer obligations to prevent silicosis

Australian employers have a legal responsibility to protect their workers from exposure to silica dust. This includes implementing a range of measures to minimise dust and ensure worker safety.

Engineering controls

Employers must use equipment designed specifically to reduce silica dust in the workplace.

Examples include:

Water suppression systems
These systems spray water mist onto dust sources, effectively trapping particles before they become airborne.
Dust collectors
These capture dust generated during activities like grinding or blasting, preventing it from spreading through the air.
Ventilation systems
Proper ventilation systems remove dust particles from the work environment, ensuring cleaner air for workers.

Administrative controls

In addition to engineering controls, employers must implement administrative measures to minimise exposure time and ensure worker awareness.

Examples include:

Limiting exposure time
Employers should establish time limits for tasks involving high levels of silica dust.
Respiratory protection
When engineering and administrative controls aren’t sufficient, employers must provide appropriate respiratory protection gear like N95 marks or respirators.
Worker training
Comprehensive training on the dangers of silica dust exposure, safe work practices, and prepare use of respiratory equipment is essential.

Exposure standards

Safe Work Australia has established a workplace exposure standard for silica dust.

The standard specifies the maximum permissible concentration level which is currently 50 micrograms per cubic metre of air averaged over an eight-hour workday. Employers are legally obligated to ensure worker exposure remains below this limit and implement corrective measures if it exceeds it.

Employer negligence and your rights

Failure to implement these dust control measures and adhere to safety standards constitutes employer negligence.

If you’ve been diagnosed with silicosis and believe your workplace exposure was a contributing factor, you may be entitled to compensation. It’s important to consult with an experienced dust disease lawyer to discuss your options.

Do you want to learn more about filing a compensation claim?

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The engineered stone link and ban

Engineered stone—a popular material for countertops—releases silica dust when cut, shaped or polished.

The Lung Foundation Australia has been at the forefront of raising awareness about the dangers of silica dust from engineered stone and its link to silicosis. Their latest research (as of 2023) shows one in four stonemasons in Australia will go on to develop silicosis – an otherwise entirely preventable disease.

In a major victory for worker safety, Australia implemented a ban on the import and use of engineered stone in July 2024. This crucial step aims to prevent future cases of silicosis linked to this material.

Proving your claim: The role of a lawyer

Silicosis claims can be intricate, and the burden of proof lies with you, the claimant.

A lawyer experienced in silicosis compensation claims can significantly strengthen your case.

They:

understand relevant workers’ compensation legislation and case law specific to your state.
can work with medical professionals to translate complex medical evidence into clear terms for the court.
will investigate your work history and industry standards to establish a connection between your job and silica dust exposure.
know how to acquire the right evidence to support your claim, including witness testimonies and dust exposure data.
leverage negotiation expertise to secure a fair settlement on your behalf.
represent you in court, if necessary, presenting your case and advocating for your rights.

Silicosis is a serious condition, and the legal process shouldn’t add to your burden. GMP Law have a proven track record of success in silicosis compensation claims. Our team of lawyers will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your case.

Find out how much you can claim today.

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FAQs

Can lungs heal from silicosis?

Unfortunately, your lungs cannot heal from silicosis. The damage caused by silica dust scarring is permanent. However, there are steps you can take to manage the disease and improve your quality of life. This includes:

Medications
Oxygen therapy
Pulmonary rehabilitation.

Since silicosis is permanent and irreversible, it’s important you seek the appropriate compensation to support your ongoing treatment.

What is the life expectancy of someone with silicosis?

It’s difficult to give a definitive answer on the life expectancy of someone with silicosis. The severity of the disease, your overall health and your access to treatment are all factors that will impact this.

According to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACPG), people diagnosed with silicosis lose an average 11.6 years of life.

What are the early signs of silicosis?

Early silicosis symptoms can be subtle. These include shortness of breath, a persistent cough, fatigue and chest tightness.

Can you get silicosis from one exposure?

No – you cannot typically get silicosis from one exposure to silica dust.
Silicosis is a disease caused by repeated and prolonged exposure over time. The tiny silica particles can lodge deep within the lungs, and the body’s reaction to them builds up over the years, leading to scarring and inflammation.

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