Dust Diseases

Dust Related Respiratory Illnesses

What are dust-related respiratory illnesses?

Dust diseases are lung illnesses caused by inhaling certain dusts, fumes, vapors, gases, and microorganisms. They are often occupational hazards particularly in industries like construction, mining and manufacturing. Common examples include silicosis, asbestosis and pneumoconiosis. Some types of lung diseases caused by the inhalation of dust are called by the general term ‘pneumoconiosis’. This simply means “dusty lung”.

There is no cure for dust related diseases and generally the damage caused to the lungs is permanent.

Symptoms

The symptoms of dust disease are similar to other respiratory illnesses, and includes:

  • Chronic cough 
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Mucus in the airways 
  • Chest pain

A dust disease can appear years after exposure. It can cause thickening or scarring of lung tissue, and in some cases, lung cancer. Dust diseases are a group of lung disorders caused by inhaling dust particles, often in occupational settings. The symptoms of dust diseases are ongoing and significantly impair quality of life.

Common dust diseases 

In the building and construction industry, exposure to dust can lead to various dust diseases, primarily impacting the lungs. These include silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and asbestosis. Silicosis, caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust, is a serious lung disease that can be disabling and fatal. 

Pneumoconiosis: A general term for lung diseases caused by inhaling dust, including:

  • Asbestosis: Caused by inhaling asbestos fibers
  • Silicosis: Caused by inhaling silica dust, often found in rock, sand and clay
  • Coal workers pneumoconiosis (Black Lung): Caused by inhaling coal dust
  • Mixed dust pneumoconiosis: A combination of different dust types

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Founded in 2015, Mesothelioma and Dust Diseases Australia Ltd (MADDA) raises awareness of the risks of asbestos and supports people with mesothelioma.
Reducing the impact of asbestos
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