Join Jharkhandi.com Social Network to felt our presence on world wide web

Jharkhand Forum - Silicosis and Adivasi

More info at www.jharkhand.org.in/silicosis

When small silica dust particles are inhaled, they can embed themselves deeply into the tiny alveolar sacs and ducts in the lungs, where oxygen and carbon dioxide gases are exchanged. There, the lungs cannot clear out the dust by mucous or coughing.

When fine particles of silica dust are deposited in the lungs, macrophages that ingest the dust particles will set off an inflammation response by releasing tumor necrosis factors, interleukin-1, leukotriene B4 and other cytokines. In turn, these stimulate fibroblasts to proliferate and produce collagen around the silica particle, thus resulting in fibrosis and the formation of the nodular lesions. The inflammatory effects of crystalline silica are apparently mediated by the Nalp3 inflammasome

Furthermore, the surface of silicon dust can generate silicon-based radicals that lead to the production of hydroxyl and oxygen radicals, as well as hydrogen peroxide, which can inflict damage to the surrounding cells.

Characteristic lung tissue pathology in nodular silicosis consists of fibrotic nodules with concentric "onion-skinned" arrangement of collagen fibers, central hyalinization, and a cellular peripheral zone, with lightly birefringent particles seen under polarized light. In acute silicosis, microscopic pathology shows a periodic acid-Schiff positive alveolar exudate (alveolar lipoproteinosis) and a cellular infiltrate of the alveolar walls.
Category: Non-profits & Activism

Get Embed Code

Rating:
Tags:
Views: 30
Location: Madhya Pradesh

You need to be a member of Jharkhandi.com Social Network to add comments!

Join this Ning Network

Comment by dhunisoren on June 5, 2009 at 2:31pm: This is happening not only in Gujarat but also in other states of India like Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Orrissa, West Bengal and other eastern states where there are mining industries.Most of the workers in such industries are Adivasi and other poor and maginalised people.Probably they do not even have trade unions to represent their interests and to speak for them. They are entitled to protection from the effect of these materials and treatment and industrial benifit. The newly formed govt of UPA should ensure the implementation of factory and industrial laws and provide protection to the lives of poor Abivasi and other workers whose sweat and blood are used for the development and benifit of the rest of the citizens of India.
Dhuni