anthracosilicosis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Very similar. 'Black lung disease' is a common name for coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP). Anthracosilicosis is a specific type of CWP where silica dust is also a significant contributing factor, often leading to a more severe and mixed form of the disease.

No. The lung damage caused by anthracosilicosis is permanent and irreversible. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms (like breathlessness), preventing further lung damage, treating complications like infections, and providing supportive care such as oxygen therapy.

Workers in occupations where they inhale dust containing both coal and crystalline silica are at highest risk. This includes coal miners (especially those cutting through rock), workers in coal processing plants, and some foundry or quarry workers exposed to specific dust mixtures.

Silicosis is caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust alone (e.g., from sandblasting, quarrying). Anthracosilicosis involves the combined effect of silica and coal dust. The presence of coal dust can modify the appearance and progression of the lung disease compared to pure silicosis.

Anthracosilicosis is usually technical/medical in register.

Anthracosilicosis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌanθrəkəʊˌsɪlɪˈkəʊsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌænθrəkoʊˌsɪlɪˈkoʊsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.