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year two million workers in the U.S. are exposed to crystalline
silica, which can cause silicosis, a disabling and sometimes fatal
disease. About 300 deaths are attributed to silicosis annually.
Inhaling airborne crystalline silica dust also has been associated
with other diseases such as tuberculosis and lung cancer. However,
Silicosis is often misdiagnosed as pulmonary edema and pneumonia.
JOBS WITH HIGH RISK OF CAUSING SILICOSIS
- Sandblasting
- Cement Manufacturing
- Asphalt Pavement Manufacturing
- Foundry Industry
- Jackhammer Operations
- Rock/Well Drilling
- Concrete Mixing
- Concrete Tunneling
- Brick and Concrete Cutting
- Railroad Workers and Repair
- Soap Detergent Workers
- Glass Manufacturing
- Shipbuilders
- Underground Miners
SYMPTOMS OF SILICOSIS
Early stages of the disease may go unnoticed. Continued exposure
may result in a shortness of breath on exercising, possible fever
and occasionally bluish skin at the ear lobes or lips. Silicosis
makes a person more susceptible to infectious diseases of the lungs
such as tuberculosis. Progression of silicosis leads to fatigue,
extreme shortness of breath, loss of appetite, pain in the chest,
and respiratory failure, which may cause death. Acute silicosis
may develop after short periods of exposure. Chronic silicosis usually
occurs after 10 or more years of exposure to lower levels of quartz.
These particles attach to the lungs, causing a number of serious
side effects and health problems:
- Tuberculosis - respiratory disease that usually
attacks the lungs. If untreated, tuberculosis can lead to death.
Common symptoms include constant coughing, loss of energy, weight
loss, loss of appetite, fever and night sweats.
- Lung Cancer - the most common form of cancer
in the United States. It accounts for 28% of all cancer deaths.
- Heart Disease - Silica causes scar tissue to
form on the lungs. This scar tissue forces the heart to work harder,
increasing the risk of serious heart problems.
If you have ever worked with materials that contain silica, you are
at greater risk of developing silicosis and its related diseases as
a result of that exposure. In addition, family members of some exposed
workers have contracted the disease through contact with the worker
(tuberculosis, for instance). In general, the longer you work with
materials containing silica, the greater your risk of developing a
silica-related disease. While not everyone exposed to silica will
develop health problems, the risk increases with the amount of exposure.
If you have been exposed to silica, you should inform your physician
immediately.
Your Legal Rights
Don't be discouraged if it is difficult to remember specific
details about jobs you may have had years ago, or about dangerous
materials you may have been exposed to during your work. It's often
helpful to talk to friends or write down a list of former co-workers
who may help you remember details about your employment and silica
exposure.
Time Limits on Filing Suit
Every case has a statute of limitations that will apply. It varies
by the type of case and the state where the case is filed. Don't
wait until there is trouble or until the end of your case to get
a lawyer. Your attorney would prefer to be involved every step of
the way, to monitor your case, to guide you, to prevent trouble,
and to assist you.
Irwin & Boesen, P.C. represents persons who have been injured
as a result of exposure to silica products. Please contact our attorneys
for a free consultation.
 |
Irwin & Boesen, P.C. represents persons who
have been injured as a result of exposure to silica products.
Please contact us for
a free case evaluation. |
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