Pneumoconiosis and Silicosis

Currently occurring cases and deaths from pneumoconiosis are mainly a result of past exposures to coal dust (coal workers' pneumoconiosis) and silica (silicosis).

The latest information shows:

• There were 345 new cases of coal workers' pneumoconiosis and 60 new cases of silicosis assessed for Industrial Injuries and Disablement Benefit in 2010.
• This is likely to be an underestimate of the annual number of new cases of pneumoconiosis and silicosis.
• Deaths from coal workers’ pneumoconiosis have reduced over the last 10 years with 131 in 2009.
• There were 18 deaths due to silicosis in 2009, slightly more than in the previous 5 years.
• Pneumoconiosis usually takes many years to develop so most current cases of pneumoconiosis occur in retired workers and reflect industrial conditions of the past, particular in the coal mining industry.

Pneumoconiosis (other than asbestosis) in Great Britain, 1992-2010