Have you or a loved one been exposed to silica dust?
If so, this may pose a risk of developing Silicosis, a serious lung disease, caused by exposure to silica dust.
Early detection is crucial in ensuring the best care and health outcomes.
Sunshine Coast Radiology offer a High Resolution CT (HRCT) or Chest X-Ray lung screening service.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – talk to your medical practitioner to obtain a referral.
With empathy, care and compassion, our team of healthcare experts are here to support you every step of the way.
What is Silicosis?
Silicosis is an incurable lung disease caused by the inhalation of very fine silica (sand) dust. Silicosis causes inflammation and scar tissue in the lungs. There has been increased media attention for the disease as many workers are developing silicosis and other silica dust diseases, often with only short-term exposure.
What CAUSES SILICOSIS?
Silicosis is an aggressive and
incurable lung disease which results from breathing in this crystalline dust. Manufactured stone contains up to 95% crystalline silica while natural stone such as marble or granite contains between 5 to 50% crystalline (WorkCover Queensland, 2018).
Symptoms
Symptoms of silicosis can include;
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
Who is at risk?
Workers in areas such as mining and construction are often at higher risk. There is also a current wave of silicosis cases amongst those employed in stone masonry environments, as many workers have been exposed to silica dust, through cutting or fitting engineered stone, commonly used in kitchen and bathroom benchtops
Silicosis can be prevented but there is no known cure. Once detected, treatments can help manage the symptoms in consultation with a medical professional. Therefore detection is vital through high-quality imaging and diagnostic reporting services.
At Sunshine Coast Radiology we provide high-quality imaging services for occupational workers. Our highly specialised and fully accredited Radiologists provide diagnostic reporting for the detection of silicosis.
