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What is Pneumoconiosis?

Pneumoconiosis is a general term for a lung disease that develops as a result of the inhalation of dust and other dangerous particles. Most commonly, these particles are inhaled by workers who work in close contact or proximity to dangerous substances. When the dust of these substances and materials enters the air it is inhaled by the workers, causing the development of serious health problems further down the road. These particles damage the lungs over the years (and even decades) leading to a various types of lung disease. In some cases, the disease does not show any outward symptoms until many years after it first developed. This makes the many types of pneumoconiosis very hard to treat in their early stages of development.

The term pneumoconiosis covers many types of lung disease including, but not limited to - asbestosis, silicosis, siderosis, and bauxite fibrosis.

The Effects of Pneumoconiosis

Depending on the type of dust and particles inhaled by the worker, the effects of the pneumoconiosis will be different for each type of worker. For example, asbestosis often leads to the development of lung cancer. The asbestos fibers that are inhaled stay in the lungs for many years after the initial inhalation, causing the development of cancer cells over time. Silicosis, on the other hand, is caused by the inhalation of silica dust and does not develop cancer cells over time. Instead, this type of pneumoconiosis drastically affects the function of the lungs, causing shortness of breath, fever, and other serious health problems.

If you believe that you have developed a form of pneumoconiosis, it is in your best interest to visit a doctor immediately. A trained physician will be able to examine and evaluate your health concerns. It is important to not delay your visit to the doctor if you believe you have developed a form of occupational pneumoconiosis. The earlier you are able to have the disease diagnosed, the better chance you have of treating it.

Contact a FELA Lawyer Today

If you are suffering from the effects of some form of pneumoconiosis, contact an attorney after visiting your doctor. Pneumoconiosis is commonly caused by the inhalation of dangerous particles in a variety of working situations. If you are a railroad worker who has developed a lung disease as a result of dangerous dust particles at work, contact a FELA lawyer today to learn more about your legal rights and options.

# posted by gopi @ 9:30 AM