Occupational and Environmental Health: Recognizing and Preventing Disease and Injury - Multiple Choice Questions - Learn & Prevent

What occupational lung disease is characterized by diffused interstitial fibrosis and often associated with industries such as mining, quarrying, and stone cutting?

1. Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis

2. Silicosis

3. Byssinosis

4. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The correct answer is: Silicosis

Silicosis is a type of pneumoconiosis, which refers to lung diseases caused by inhaling dust or mineral particles. This condition is often associated with occupations such as mining, quarrying, and stone cutting, where workers are regularly exposed to high levels of silica dust. Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis (option A) is caused by inhaling coal dust and is often seen in coal miners. Byssinosis (option C) is a lung disease caused by inhaling cotton, flax, or hemp dust and is more commonly seen in textile workers. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (option D) is a group of lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that are most commonly caused by smoking. However, it is not typically associated with specific occupational exposures like silicosis is.