Lung diseases caused by exposure to dust. Dust diseases are caused by industrial and mining dusts that are made up of particles small enough to be inhaled into the lungs and become embedded in lung tissue. These dusts may have varying effects on the body that range from minor to severe injury and in some cases can cause death.
Dust particles, when inhaled, can lead to lung diseases by getting embedded in the lung tissues. These particles can induce fibrosis, which is the formation of scar tissue, and can gradually harm the lungs. The primary symptoms include a persistent cough and difficulty in breathing. Significant lung damage often arises after a prolonged exposure of at least ten years to dusts that contain coal, silica, talc, or asbestos. Allergic alveolitis can also occur due to hypersensitivity to moulds found on hay or grain.
Implementing safety strategies, like setting up dust removal equipment, has lessened the occurrence of dust-related illnesses, and substitutes have been discovered for particularly dangerous materials, such as asbestos.
The implementation of preventive strategies, like the use of dust extraction systems, has significantly decreased the prevalence of dust-induced diseases. Additionally, safer alternatives have been identified to replace highly harmful substances, such as asbestos.