symptoms of silicosis.

Silicosis, in and of itsel*, is rarely fatal, but those
having silicosis are more susceptible to other pulmon-
ary diseases and are less likely to survive potentially
fatal diseases such aS pneumonia due to their already
weakened condition. The pathological evidences are
nodulation and fibrosis in the lungs. The external

symptoms are shortness of breath, chronic cough,

pain in the chest and especially decreased vital
capacity or, in lay terms, decreased ability to perform
work requiring physical exertion.

Unfortunately, the damage to the lungs 15 permanent,

and so the disability is also permanent. Medical
science can offer a certain amount of relief by treating
the symptoms, but no treatment for the disease itself
has ever been proved effective. As a rule when silicosis
is diagnosed, the patient is urged to remove himself
from further possible contact immediately. Past middle
age, whén silicosis is most frequently diagnosed, it

is very difficult to change jobs, particularly when a
complete change is the only answer. The mental distress
brought on by an enforced career change in later life
may be worse than continued exposure at a reduced rate.

Almost any of the non-soluble materials in a pot shop
will produce symptoms simijar to silicosis in varying
degrees of severity. Some even produce diseases
common enough to be named. Materials dangerous if
inhaled, but otherwise non-toxic, will be discussed
in the following section.

Alumina produces a disease known as aluminosis. To
the layman, it is practically indistinguishable from
silicosis, with shortness of breath, cough, decreased
vital capacity and chronic bronchitis being the chief
symptoms. Like silicosis, there is no cure, but some
remission of symptoms can sometimes be effected by
complete removal from further exposure.

Asbestoe fiber is a double threat in that it can cause
skin irritation and "asbestos warts’ 1f it punctures
the skin and causes fibrosis of the lungs if inhaled.
Again, no cure; treatment can only hope to relieve the
symptoms .

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