Chronic Silicosis as the Potential Consequence of Short-Term Exposure to Silica: A Case Report

Silicosis is an irreversible occupational lung disease caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica. Silicosis poses a major public health challenge worldwide. The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have established a program to eliminate silicosis by 2030. However, despite these efforts, silicosis cases are still rising and reemerging in various industries and sectors. The authors report a case of chronic silicosis with a history of short-term silica exposure in a mining worker in Nakorn Sri Thammarat province, Thailand. The patient later developed progressive dyspnea and an abnormal chest radiograph. At present, the patient is undergoing supportive treatment, and his clinical symptom has been stable. This case study aims to raise awareness regarding the potential risks of chronic silicosis associated with relatively short-term duration of respirable crystalline silica exposure.