Toxicology 2
Particles
Silicosis
- Form of occupational lung disease
- Inhalation of crystalline silica containing dusts
- Alveolar macrophages phagocytose but are damaged by silicic acid
- Damaged and killed macrophages release phagocytic enzymes into alveolar sacs
- Destruction and stiffening of the lung tissue
- Over time silicotic nodules form
- Acute form characterised by shortness of breath, fever, cyanosis (bluish skin)