Which occupational lung disease is caused by inhalation of free crystalline silica (quartz) dust and is characterised by simple, accelerated, and acute forms, with the acute form associated with short high-dose exposure?

• A Asbestosis
• B Byssinosis
• C Berylliosis
• D Silicosis ✓

Explanation

Silicosis is caused by free crystalline silica inhalation (quarrying, sandblasting, mining, foundry work). Simple silicosis develops after prolonged exposure (>10 years); accelerated silicosis after 5–10 years of high exposure; acute silicosis (silicoproteinosis) occurs within 5 years of very high exposure and is rapidly fatal with features mimicking PAP. Silicosis predisposes to tuberculosis (silicotuberculosis). Unlike asbestosis, it is not associated with mesothelioma.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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