Pneumoconiosis is a general term for diseases associated with the inhalation of industrial dusts such as asbestosis, coal dust and silica dust. When we talk about diseases caused by these dusts, we often think that they are the result of exposures in industries of the past and that we hardly see these anymore. I share that perception, although coal worker’s disease is still going strong.
You might be interested to know that there is a pneumoconiosis associated with modern industry. One
that you most likely have never heard about. The disease is called berylliosis and is caused by the inhalation of beryllium. The dust of this metal is found in the aerospace and defense industry, electronics and telecommunications, metal working, the nuclear energy industry and in the manufacture of medical and dental equipment.
The disease caused by the inhalation of beryllium is peculiar and is associated with a different type of disease process called delayed hypersensitivity. Beryllium causes a specific type of inflammation in the lungs and the lymph nodes which can mimic other types of diseases. However, knowing the occupation of the patient and, therefore, suspecting the exposure can go a long way in helping to make the diagnosis.
Even better news is that because of the specific type of inflammation caused by beryllium there is treatment which can limit the damage to the lungs and lymph nodes.
The world may have changed but the problems for workers remains. Beryllium exposure and berylliosis is one of them.
