Silicosis is an occupational lung disease caused by inhalation of free crystalline silica. Which form of silica is MOST fibrogenic?

• A Amorphous silica (fused/vitreous)
• B Cristobalite (tridymite form)
• C Diatomite silica
• D Alpha-quartz ✓

Explanation

Alpha-quartz is the most common and most fibrogenic form of free crystalline silica, responsible for most silicosis cases. Cristobalite and tridymite are also fibrogenic but far less prevalent. Amorphous silica (diatomite, vitreous silica) has much lower fibrogenic potential. Workers at highest risk include mining, stone cutting, sandblasting, glass manufacturing, and pottery industries.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.