Industrial disease
What are the differences between silicosis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis?
With two diseases that have overlapping symptoms, it can be difficult to tell them apart. Here, our experts explain the differences.
Silicosis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis are both industrial diseases that primarily impact lung function. Despite different causes, the symptoms for both diseases overlap in many areas. Symptoms of both silicosis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis include:
- Shortness of breath
- A persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Flu-like illness - including fever, chills, muscle or joint pain, or headaches, often starting soon after you breathe in the substance that causes your condition
- Chest pain
- Extreme tiredness
Differences between the diseases
The main differences between silicosis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis can be found in how they are contracted. Silicosis is caused by inhaling large amounts of crystalline silica, a common mineral naturally found in certain types of stone, rock, sand and clay. Typically, the amount of time of exposure for silicosis means it is contracted during your career. The industries particularly at risk are:
- Stone masonry and stone cutting – especially with sandstone
- Construction and demolition
- Worktop manufacturing and fitting
- Pottery, ceramics and glass manufacturing
- Mining and quarrying
- Sand blasting
By contrast, hypersensitivity pneumonitis can happen if someone inhales substances such as mould, or the skin cells shed by animals with fur. These substances trigger the immune system and cause short or long-term inflammation in the lungs.
Sources of exposure identified for hypersensitivity pneumonitis were organised into 14 categories of work:
- Agricultural
- Plant matter processing
- Wood
- Animal-related
- Foodstuff
- Food processing
- Metal processing
- Polymers
- Other manufacturing
- Chemicals
- Aerosolized water
- Service
- Waste and sewage
- Wind instruments
Having a confirmed diagnosis of either silicosis or hypersensitivity pneumonitis is vital. Despite these diseases having similar symptoms, the treatment plans for them are different, which means having the correct diagnosis is crucial. A confirmed diagnosis could also potentially help your case if you decide to make a claim in the future. Throughout the process of your claim, with your permission, your solicitor will obtain and review your medical records and use this to help establish the source of exposure.
How might your employer be responsible?
When working with substances that could cause health risks, it is your employer's responsibility to foresee the potential issues and take steps to prevent it. Occupational Health professionals should carry out regular checks of the skin on the hand and forearm to ensure employees have not been dangerously exposed. If they have been, there are several routes they may choose to help the employee and ensure further exposure is limited. The law says that every employer has a duty of care to protect employees from suffering harm in the workplace. Where your employer failed to foresee the harm that could be caused by your occupation, or provide the protective gear specified, they could be said to have failed in their duty of care.
Speak to a specialist industrial disease solicitor
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis claims and silicosis claims are highly specialised areas of the law, so it is important to contact an industrial disease solicitor who has extensive experience working on these types of claims. Our expert solicitors understand the impact that a diagnosis of an industrial disease can have on victims and their families and aim to be as considerate and supportive as possible throughout the claims process. Contact us on 0330 107 6498 or online here for more information on taking further steps.
