Detection

A medical examination that includes a complete work history and a chest X-ray and lung function test is the only sure way to determine if a person has silicosis. Workers who believe they are overexposed to silica dust should visit a doctor who knows about lung diseases. That being said, there are a number of symptoms that people who work around silica dust should watch out for:

• Frequent and severe coughing
• Chest pains
• Unusual shortness of breath following physical exertion
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue

If you are employed in a job that requires even moderate exposure to silica dust, be sure to undergo frequent medical examinations even if no symptoms of silicosis exist. Early detection is the best defense against this disease.