Silicosis Symptoms

Intense exposure to silica may result in disease in a year or less, but it usually takes at least 10 or 15 years of exposure before symptoms develop. People often ignore silicosis symptoms or mistake the signs for common minor ailments. It's not unusual for people to experience symptoms for two to three months before seeking medical advice.

Common symptoms include:

• shortness of breath following physical exertion
• severe cough
• fatigue
• loss of appetite
• chest pains
• fever
• cyanosis (bluish skin) near the ear lobes or lips
• and others

If you think you may have been exposed to silica dust and any of these symptoms develop, see a doctor right away.