Introduction
Pneumoconiosis is derived from the Greek word Pneumon meaning “lung” and konis meaning
“dust”. It therefore specifically refers to lung disorders that result from the inhalation of dust. It is,
however, important to note that only dust that contain crystalline quarts have the potential to induce
silicosis. The outcome of exposure to dust that contains silica quarts is fibrosis of the lungs. The
disease that develops due to free silica exposure is fibrotic pneumoconiosis and the lung disease
that develops because of crystalline silica exposure is known as silicosis. Silicosis is a non-curable
irreversible disease. Crystalline silica is currently classified as a Class 1 substance by the
International Agency for Research on Cancer Ref.(1). This classification indicates that a causal
relationship must exist between exposure and the development of human cancer. It can, however,
be prevented if proper dust control measures are employed. If dust levels cannot be contained
within acceptable levels, the correct utilisation of approved personal protective equipment can be
effective in silicosis prevention.
Who are at risk to develop sil