Silicosis
What is Silicosis?
Silicosis is an irreversible lung disease. It can take years to develop.
It is caused by fine particles of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) which cause damage and inflammation in the lungs. Over time, this leads to the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis).
This can be seen on a chest X-rays. It is also known as ‘Grinder’s Disease’ and ‘Potter’s Rot’.
Occupational cancer accounts for around 8000 deaths and a further 14,000 cancer registrations annually
The NHS provides good guidance if you suffer from:
- Chronic coughing,
- Wheezing,
- Tightness in the chest or,
- Difficulty breathing
then you may be able to make a claim for compensation.
Symptoms usually come on many years after the exposure but are usually found in people over 40 years old. It usually has 4 forms:
- Chronic. May take 15+ years of exposure to develop. There is only mild impairment of lung functioning. Chronic silicosis may progress to more advanced forms;
- Complicated. Patients with complicated silicosis have shortness of breath, weight loss, and extensive fibrous tissue (fibrosis) in the lungs. You are at risk of developing tuberculosis (TB);
- Accelerated. This form of silicosis appears after 5-10 years of intense exposure. The symptoms are similar to those of complicated silicosis. Patients also develop rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders;
- Acute. Acute silicosis develops within 6 months to 2 years of intense exposure. The patient loses lots of weight and is constantly short of breath. These patients are at severe risk of TB.
Lung disease is debilitating and frustrating. 
We understand that you are stressed and worried, Our experienced team can help you get private treatment as well as compensation.
Silicosis employment
Occupations include construction and mining. The most common root causes were silica dust during certain tasks.
When high-speed cutting tools are used on high-silica-content materials without suitable controls and safety measures then the exposure can be very high.
Many ex-potters have also been struck down by bronchitis, emphysema, silicosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They worked for years in dust and fume-filled factories.
Exposure is linked to many construction tasks such as cutting, blasting, drilling and grinding. The RCS hazard is present whether the parent material is granite, sandstone, or slate. It is in manufactured products such as brick or concrete too.
If you have worked in the following industries then call us today:
- Construction,
- Miners,
- Foundry workers,
- Stonecutters,
- Potters and ceramics workers,
- Sandblasters,
- Tunnel workers,
- Rock drillers.
Speak to Specialist Silicosis Solicitors
Any claim would be made against your current or former employer. If they are no longer trading we may still be able to trace the insurance company to make a claim on your behalf.
What we guarantee:
- Friendly, discreet and professional service;
- No win No fee;
- Regular updates.
Want to make a claim ? Call us on 0845 676 9228 for advice on how to claim or contact us or email Dr Victoria Handley vhandley@handleylaw.co.uk