Essay On Pneumoconiosis

Brief Description of Pneumoconiosis:

Pneumoconiosis is the generic term given to any lung disease caused by the inhalation of dust which is then retained deep in the lungs causing damage. Because you are likely to encounter these dusts only in the workplace, Pneumoconiosis is generally known to be an occupational lung disease, and includes asbestosis, silicosis and coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP), which is also known as "Black Lung Disease", because the charcoal dust in the lungs can cause them to turn black in color.

Mode of Transmission:

Pneumoconiosis occurs when airborne dust particles, particularly mineral dusts, are inhaled at work. The particles are retained in the lungs where they can cause inflammation or fibrosis (scarring). Typically, there is a long delay between the time of exposure to dust to the onset of the disease, so symptoms may not appear in patients until

• The workplace should take whatever steps necessary to try to keep the levels of dust down to a minimum.

• It is important that the workplace environment is ventilated adequately.

• Any part of the body exposed should be cleaned thoroughly and the worker should be mindful that dust should not be transmitted into the mouth by e.g. dust contaminated food, smoking, drinking, taking medicine, etc.

• Washing areas of skin that come in contact with dust

• Safe removal of dust from clothing

• Not smoking

• Letting your doctor and your employer know about any symptoms of pneumoconiosis

• Getting regular chest X-rays and physical exams

Pneumoconiosis in United Arab Emirates:

The annual mortality rate per 100,000 people from pneumoconiosis in United Arab Emirates has decreased by 64.7% since 1990, an average of 2.8% a year. The annual years of healthy life lost per 100,000 people from pneumoconiosis in United Arab Emirates has decreased by 61.5% since 1990, an average of 2.7% a