Title: Silicosis in a Flourmill Worker: A Case Report

Authors: Dr Parminder Pal Singh, Dr Vicky Bakshi, Dr Kulbir Singh, Dr Karan Sharma

 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v7i9.81

Abstract

  

We herein report a case of silicosis in a 60 years old male worked in a Flourmill for 38 years, and started grinding flour 6 years back. Silicosis is a form of pneumoconiosis caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust reported in silica mill workers, slate pen workers, miners. In India, silicosis has been made a notifiable disease under the Factories Act 1948 and Mines act 1952. Few case reports in the past have referred to silicosis in flourmill workers in India. However, its association with flour mill workers has not yet been established. This case report is an evidence that silicosis can occur in flourmill workers too, especially in those who are involved in grinding process. Flourmills in India commonly use silica-containing grinding stones that require regular chiseling.

Keywords: Flourmill; Silicosis; Occupational lung disease.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Parminder Pal Singh

Senior Resident, Department of Internal Medicine, G.M.C. Patiala