Silicosis and smoking

Silicosis is considered the world oldest occupational disease with references going back thousandsof years. It remains problematic even in the presence of years of research, prevention and medical intervention. Millions are exposed to dangerously high levels of silica dust with thousands dying worldwide from silicosis and silica-induced diseases. This book will enable readers to learn the principals of the dynamic factors that occur within the respiratory system as a result of inhalation of respirable crystallinesilica dust and smoking. It also touches upon the physical and chemical characteristics, biological mechanisms inducing lesions, the development of silicosis, risk factors of smoking and the development of lung cancer. The author concludesthat the practice of smoking is avoidable as is the development of silicosis. In combination however this can exacerbate the decline in respiratory health. To better understand these factors, the author identifies the need to better understand the genetic factors in the development of silicosis as well as the use of psychotherapeutic principals in smoking cessation. Pneumoconiosis, Silica, Silicosis, Smoking, Macrophages, Biomarkers