What Are The Types Of Pneumoconiosis?

Pneumoconiosis is a disease of the lungs that results from exposure to certain dust particles. These particles typically consist of silica in rock and sand, asbestos fibers in roofing or insulation, cotton dust in textile manufacturing, beryllium, aluminum oxide, talc, cobalt, and coal dust from drilling into rock. Pneumoconiosis occurs when these dust particles enter an individual's airway and travel down into the lungs. Once the particles are in the sacs of the lungs, the individual's body attempts to fight them off. This process causes issues related to inflammation from the patient's immune system response. Pneumoconiosis is considered an occupational lung disease because in most cases the dust particles are typically found in the workplace. Although pneumoconiosis can be caused by a variety of substances, the symptoms are consistent throughout all types and they include breathlessness, phlegm-producing cough, and chest tightness.