{"id":353366,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:52","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/product-liability\/silica-exposure-illnesses.html"},"modified":"2025-10-16T10:20:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T15:20:00","slug":"silica-exposure-illnesses","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/silica-exposure-illnesses.html","title":{"rendered":"Silica Exposure and Associated Illnesses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Silica Exposure and Associated Illnesses<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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When inhaled over time, silica exposure can cause serious illnesses like silicosis, lung cancer, and bronchitis. Workers in industries such as mining, sandblasting, and quarrying are especially at risk due to frequent exposure to silica dust. These diseases are often irreversible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Silica exposure<\/span> is almost as dangerous as asbestos<\/span> exposure. Silica is a harmful substance and a natural element. This makes it harder to detect and avoid.<\/p>\n

People who work in high-risk<\/span> environments<\/a> are more vulnerable to developing silica-related illnesses, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease<\/span> (COPD<\/span>), bronchitis, and kidney disease<\/span>.<\/p>\n

This article offers a brief overview of the most common silica-related illnesses. It also discusses the symptoms and treatment of illnesses such as\u00a0silicosis<\/span><\/a>, lung cancer<\/span>, and tuberculosis.<\/p>\n

If you have developed silicosis<\/span> or another illness related to silica exposure<\/span>, you may have a legal claim. A personal injury attorney<\/a> in your area can assess your situation and advise on next steps. If you have a valid claim, your attorney will advocate for you throughout the process and fight for fair compensation.<\/p>\n

What Is Silica?<\/h2>\n

Silica (silicon dioxide) is a natural chemical in dust, soil, and rocks. Construction and building materials contain silica and silica dust. This is why so many construction workers suffer from silica exposure<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Some occupational activities that increase a worker\u2019s risk of developing silicosis<\/span> and other lung diseases<\/span> include:<\/p>\n