HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Are The Chances Of Developing Acute Silicosis After Cleaning Up Dust That Contained Silica?

default
Posted on Wed, 11 Dec 2013
Question: Hi I was wondering how likely it would be for me to develop acute silicosis after sanding joint compound & cleaning up dust that contained silica there was quite a bit of dust and I used no respirator. I am very concerned.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: No chance of silicosis; maximum: allergic reaction Detailed Answer: Hello ma'am/sir and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. Silicosis results from long-term exposure to silica dust, in minimal concentration/quantity/amount. I thus think it is highly unlikely for you to develop silicosis from a one time exposure to the dust, although in large quantities. Your respiratory tract shall recognize it as a foreign substance and try its best to expel as much dust from the body as possible; resulting in an allergic-type of reaction. Nothing more than this should result ma'am. Do not worry, and please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you. Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (3 hours later)
Ok thank u. I was also wondering about asbestos exposure. I own a old house my husband and I started doing some renovations ourselves not realizing some of the walls & floors could possibly contain asbestos. Im wondering how likely it is we will develop lung cancer or mesothelioma. We will no longer be doing home improvements without professional help. My anxiety level has been over the top about these issues: silicosis/mesothelioma/lung cancer.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (12 hours later)
Brief Answer: Asbestosis and lung cancer unlikely ma'am Detailed Answer: Hello once again ma'am. Asbestos exposure also requires long-term exposure and/or exposure to extremely concentrated amounts of asbestos, which is not the case with you and your husband. As you have not mentioned any symptoms, it is highly unlikely that you could have developed asbestosis. And those individuals who have not developed asbestosis are not at a risk to mesothelioma or lung cancer. I hope this clears your query ma'am. I am sure both you and your husband are safe, do take care in avoiding future exposure. Wishing you and your husband good health always. God bless.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shoaib Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Are The Chances Of Developing Acute Silicosis After Cleaning Up Dust That Contained Silica?

Brief Answer: No chance of silicosis; maximum: allergic reaction Detailed Answer: Hello ma'am/sir and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. Silicosis results from long-term exposure to silica dust, in minimal concentration/quantity/amount. I thus think it is highly unlikely for you to develop silicosis from a one time exposure to the dust, although in large quantities. Your respiratory tract shall recognize it as a foreign substance and try its best to expel as much dust from the body as possible; resulting in an allergic-type of reaction. Nothing more than this should result ma'am. Do not worry, and please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you. Best wishes.