Pneumoconioses

Pneumoconiosis is a term for occupational respiratory disorder caused by inhalation of inorganic dusts, their macrophages ingestion and

response by releasing tumor necrosis factors, and cytokines leading finally to the stimulation of fibroblasts to proliferate and produce

collagen. Silicosis is caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust, and is marked by inflammation and scarring in forms of nodular lesions

especially in the upper lobes of the lungs. It is the most common occupational lung disease worldwide. Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis

is caused by long-term black coal mining in deep coal mines. Both the radiological finding and symptoms are similar to silicosis; mixed

ventilatory disturbance is usually present. Asbestosis is a chronic inflammatory medical condition affecting the parenchymal tissue of

the lungs. It occurs after long-term, heavy exposure to asbestos fibers, e.g. in production of insulation textile and eternit. No causal

treatment for pneumoconioses is available, therefore technical prevention is crucial to prevent the diseases.

Keywords: pneumoconioses, silicosis, coal worker´s pneumoconiosis, asbestosis.