Richardson Law

Silicosis solicitors in Leeds - Industrial Disease

This is the commonest form of pneumoconiosis caused by the inhalation of free silica.  Industrial exposure occurs in mining, quarrying, stone cutting, sand blasting, some foundries, boiler scaling, the manufacture of glass and ceramics and, for diatomite, in the manufacture of fluid fillers, aggregates and filtration acids.  There are no symptoms in the early stage.  Later the initial complaint is of a dry morning cough; next occurs some breathlessness, at first this is noticeable on exercise but, as destruction of the lung proceeds, breathlessness worsens.

Silicosis is the one form of pneumoconiosis that predisposes tuberculosis, when additional symptoms of fever, loss of weight and bloody sputum may occur.

Diagnosis depends on a history of exposure and a chest X-ray.  Smoking exacerbates the symptoms, speeds up the progress and increases the risk of lung cancer.  Removal of the source of silica is important to stop the conditioning worsening.

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit may be available for silicosis sufferers, this depends on how badly you are disabled - it can be paid after 13 weeks from the first day you were disabled by the disease but cannot be backdated more than 3 months before the date of your claim.