Types of Silicosis
The classification of silicosis is made according to the severity, onset and rapidity of progression of the disease. These include:
Chronic silicosis
This, the most common form of the disease, develops after 20 years or more of exposure to low levels of silica dust. Chronic silicosis is further subdivided into simple and complicated silicoses.
Asymptomatic silicosis
In the early stages of the disease, symptoms may not be present.
Acute silicosis
This form of silicosis develops after one to three years of exposure to very high concentration of silica dust.
Accelerated silicosis
This form of silicosis develops after an average of 10 years of exposure to high concentration of silica dust.