Workplace disease lawyer sets out the rising threat of silicosis and its link to lung cancer

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. 

As we near the end of this month, we not only focus on the importance of early detection and treatment but also highlight emerging risks that could exacerbate the incidence of lung cancer. 

One such risk is the rise in patients developing silicosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust, a known carcinogen. 

Understanding silicosis and its link to lung cancer

Silicosis is a progressive lung disease resulting from prolonged exposure to silica dust, traditionally found in industries such as mining, construction, and manufacturing. 

When inhaled, these tiny particles can cause inflammation and scarring in the lungs, leading to severe respiratory issues. More alarmingly, silicosis is linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. 

The rising concerns

Silicosis has been in the news a lot recently, thanks to the work of Dr Johanna Feary, highlighting the worrying increase in silicosis cases in stone masons who work with engineered stone (also known as quartz stone). 

This stone is often used to make kitchen and bathroom worktops. Quartz stone is made from crushed rocks bound together with resins. Quartz stone can have an extremely high silica content and therefore, when workers are cutting or polishing the stone, they can breathe in a large dose of silica dust. 

Patients who have developed silicosis due to working with this stone are often very young, in their 20s and 30s. The rise in silicosis cases could lead to a higher number of lung cancer diagnoses in the coming years, which is worrying. 

Protecting workers against silica exposure

In Australia, engineered stone has been banned.  There are calls for the UK government to do the same. 

At Irwin Mitchell, we have seen the devastating impact that silicosis can have, especially when it develops into lung cancer further down the line. 

We are of the view that to truly protect workers, more needs to be done to raise awareness for those working in the industry. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has the power to inspect, investigate and where necessary, intervene in those businesses who put workers at unnecessary risk. However, the recent surge in silicosis cases suggests that there is more work to do.

Charities like Asthma + Lung play a vital role in advocating for people with lung diseases such as silicosis and lung cancer. In its most recent report A Mission For Lung Health, Asthma + Lung highlight the importance of sickness prevention, when it comes to lung conditions. 

Tackling the issue of silica exposure in workers would prevent not only silicosis diagnoses but also potential silica induced lung cancer cases.  

Legal support for those affected

At Irwin Mitchell, we have extensive experience in securing compensation for clients who have been diagnosed with silicosis. We also ensure that the door remains open for clients to secure further compensation if they later develop silica-induced lung cancer. 

When bringing a legal claim, one of the most important aspects is preserving good evidence to support the case. This is why we have set up our silica exposure register. This is a secure database that stores details of silica exposure, in case that information is needed in the future if the exposure leads to a silica-related disease. 

Conclusion

Lung Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against lung cancer and the emerging threats that could worsen the situation. 

By better understanding the link between silicosis and lung cancer, we can take proactive measures to protect people and ultimately reduce the burden of this devastating and preventable disease. 

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people affected by silicosis at our dedicated silicosis claims section.