Pneumoconioses

Definition (ILO):
“Pneumoconiosis is the accumulation of dust in the lungs and the tissue reaction to its presence”

‘Pneumoconioses’ is the plural
Dust within the size range of 0.5 to 3 micron pose maximum risk as these can easily enter the alveoli.
- Particles larger than 3 microns don’t reach the alveoli
- Particles smaller than 0.5 microns are exhaled out
- The dust particles which get deposited in the alveoli, cause inflammation in the lungs that can eventually lead to fibrosis of the lung tissue
In addition to causing fibrosis, the deposition of dust also leads to:
- Reduced ciliary clearance
- The chemical composition may be cytotoxic
- Some dust may cause more fibrosis than others e.g. silica
- coal appears to be relatively inert and may accumulate in sizable amounts with minimal tissue response
Mostly the exposure to dust occurs as a result of occupation, hence pneumoconioses are included under occupational diseases
The specific types of pneumoconioses are named by the substance inhaled (e.g., silicosis, asbestosis, anthracosis)

Factors affecting the development of disease

Pneumoconiosis usually take years to develop and may progress even after the exposure has discontinued
There is no cure for pneumoconiosis. Hence prevention is essential

Types of Pneumoconioses

Type of Dust	Disease
Mineral or inorganic dust
Coal dust	Anthracosis
Silica	Silicosis
Asbestos	Asbestosis, cancer lung
Iron	Siderosis
Organic Dust (Hypersensitivity Pneumoconiosis)
Sugarcane fiber	Bagassosis
Cotton dust	Byssinosis
Tobacco	Tobacossis
Hay or grain dust	Farmers’ lung

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Types of Pneumoconiosis

Types of Pneumoconiosis: Pneumoconioses

Silicosis: Silicosis

Anthracosis: Anthracosis

Byssinosis: Byssinosis

Bagassosis: Bagassosis

Asbestosis: Asbestosis

Farmer’s Lung: Farmer’s Lung

Lecture on Pneumoconiosis: Occupational Health