Silicosis is a chronic and often fatal lung disease that arises from inhaling fine silica dust. This condition is particularly prevalent in occupations such as mining, stone crushing, and construction. The inhaled dust accumulates in the lungs, resulting in the formation of fibrous tissue that impairs breathing and diminishes oxygen exchange.
Individuals working in unregulated industries are at the highest risk of developing silicosis. These industries include stone mining, quartz crushing, slate processing, sandstone polishing, and ramming mass manufacturing. Regions such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal report significant prevalence due to their extensive mining activities and silica-based industries.
Silicosis and TB share similar symptoms, including cough, weight loss, fatigue, and fever. The lack of advanced diagnostic tools, such as CT scans or qualified X-ray interpretation, often leads to confusion between the two diseases, particularly in rural or primary healthcare settings.
The reporting of silicosis cases in India is alarmingly inadequate. Official records indicate only 340 cases from 2008 to 2018; however, certain states, like Rajasthan, report over 40,000 cases solely for compensation purposes. The absence of national surveys and comprehensive data obscures the true extent of the issue.
Silicosis significantly compromises lung function and immunity, heightening the risk of contracting TB and decreasing the success rate of treatments. Addressing the challenges posed by silicosis is crucial for India to achieve its TB elimination target by 2025.
Despite being a notifiable disease, the implementation of silicosis regulations is weak. A significant portion of the burden falls on the informal sector, where workers often lack insurance, compensation, and safety measures. Government interventions and surveys typically occur only under external pressure.
To mitigate silicosis cases, employers should implement engineering controls such as water sprays, dust extractors, and protective gear for workers. Regular rotation and monitoring of workers are also essential. Furthermore, raising awareness among doctors, patients, and policymakers is critical, along with ensuring adequate compensation and healthcare support.
The diagnostic tools necessary for identifying silicosis, like CT scans and expert radiological assessments, are often expensive and not readily available in rural areas. Consequently, many workers depend on TB medications for extended periods before a silicosis diagnosis is confirmed, frequently when it is too late for effective intervention.
Although compensation mechanisms are theoretically available through state labor departments or national schemes, access remains limited. Legal disputes, as seen in Lalkuan and Panna, continue as affected families seek justice.
In villages such as Bador and Daharra, hundreds of premature deaths among male workers have been reported due to prolonged exposure to silica dust. Local NGOs have compiled lists of silicosis patients and submitted them to the National Human Rights Commission, urging for immediate action.
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