The disease has been known by many other names - miner's phthisis, potter's asthma, grinder's rot, stonecutter's disease - depending upon what job is involved. All types of mining which result in the release of silica from hard rock can produce silicosis if the worker is exposed to a significant amount of silica for a long period of time. This includes the mining of gold, lead, zinc, iron, and copper, as well as anthracite coal and some bituminous coal. Other jobs that have led to silicosis are foundry work, sandstone grinding, sandblasting, pottery, and china making and granite carving.

Silicosis develops in direct proportion to the amount of silica breathed in, and the length of time the worker is exposed to it. Most doctors believe that silica slowly dissolves within the lungs, and produces a chemical reaction that poisons the cells. After a while, this reaction causes great damage and scarring of the Iungs. Complicating diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumonia may develop.

Despite the seriousness of the disease, better methods of protection - and more of them - have greatly reduced the death rate. On-the-job prevention of silicosis, along with increased research into better treatment methods and possible cures, remain a challenge of the future. Elimination of silicosis will depend on methods of prevention that will reduce the level of silica dust in the atmosphere of the worker to the point that the development of the disease will not occur.