Pneumoconiosis from Exposure to Mineral Dust

Pneumoconiosis is the term given to lung disease caused by the inhalation of mineral dust. The cause of this malady is often exposure to dusts in mining and processing minerals. 

There are numerous potential toxicological effects of mining, processing, and recycling metals. The materials of concern include heavy metals, especially lead, and other materials such as silica dust and coal dust. Most exposures are through inhalation. Lead has adverse effects on many parts of the body including the central nervous system, kidney, and blood and may cause developmental problems in children. Due to lead s toxicity to the nervous system, a condition called lead palsy used to be a common affliction of lead miners and lead smelter workers. 

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