Parliament urged to take measures to prevent the ‘next asbestos’
A group of MPs has demanded action to protect construction workers from ‘preventable’ illness silicosis.
Published
Thousands of construction workers are being put at risk by breathing in tiny dust particles when they drill or cut stone, a new report has stated.
Workers are being put at risk of developing silicosis – a chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation of silica dust.
Silicosis occurs when the body’s immune system tries to remove the tiny particles of dust, resulting in swelling and scarring of the lung tissue.
The condition usually develops after being exposed to silica for at least a decade but some are affected sooner.
Symptoms include a persistent cough, shortness of breath with weakness and tiredness.
