Definition for pneumoconiosis

Pneumoconiosis, also known as coal workers' pneumoconiosis, dust disease, miner's asthma, or black lung disease, is an occupational lung disease caused by the inhalation of coal dust, characterized by formation of nodular fibrotic changes in lungs. more

Pneumoconiosis, also known as coal workers' pneumoconiosis, dust disease, miner's asthma, or black lung disease, is an occupational lung disease caused by the inhalation of coal dust, characterized by formation of nodular fibrotic changes in lungs. These changes may be in the form of industrial bronchitis, a condition which abates 3 to 6 months following the cessation of exposure, or permanent changes in the lung parenchyma, taking the form of macules, micronodules, macronodules, or progressive massive fibrosis. The changes may be exhibited on chest x-rays or CT scans of the chest. Rarely does simple pneumoconiosis cause significant pulmonary problems. Coal miners with simple coal workers' pneumoconiosis with obstructive airways disfunction usually have been or are tobacco smokers. Many substances can cause pneumoconiosis including asbestos, talc, coal mine dust, kaolinite, and other metal compounds. less