Pneumoconioses

Elimination of exposure through substitution with other materials (e.g., the use of steel grit rather than silica for abrasive blasting) will eliminate the risk of developing these types of pneumoconiosis. Minimisation of exposure through engineering controls (e.g., by enclosing work process or exhaust hoods) is the next best approach after substitution to reduce the risk of disease. Many countries have promulgated regulations to lower the allowable air concentrations of minerals/metals that cause pneumoconiosis. Respirators with high protection factors (e.g., positive pressure or full face mask) are used for work where the location and conditions vary, such as construction. Skin protection is also used to reduce the risk of beryllium disease. Genetic screening to exclude those at increased risk for beryllium disease is generally not an effective preventative strategy, because the known genetic markers are not sufficiently sensitive or specific. There has been some suggestion that individuals with certain HLA genotypes might benefit from knowing their genetic status when deciding whether or not to avoid future beryllium exposure.[28]Kreiss K, Fechter-Leggett ED, McCanlies EC, et al. Research to practice implications of high-risk genotypes for beryllium sensitization and disease. J Occup Environ Med. 2016 Sep;58(9):855-60. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5339739 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27414009?tool=bestpractice.com Provision to ensure that beryllium is not tracked home is recommended (e.g., laundering work clothes at work, and having lockers for clean and dirty clothes, separated by a shower). This reduces the risk of exposure to workers' family members.

As per the general population, adults with pneumoconiosis should be immunised against pneumococcal pneumonia, influenza, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).[63]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult immunization schedule by age: recommendations for ages 19 years or older, United States, 2025. Nov 2024 [internet publication]. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/adult-age.html ​​​​[64]UK Health Security Agency. Immunisation against infectious disease. Nov 2020 [internet publication]. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immunisation-against-infectious-disease-the-green-book ​​​ Vaccination schedules vary by location; consult local guidance for recommendations, including special patient populations. UKHSA: complete routine immunisation schedule Opens in new window​​ CDC: adult immunization schedule by age Opens in new window

Cessation of smoking is important to reduce the risk of lung cancer and the development of COPD.

People with silicosis as well as silica exposure should be screened for tuberculosis. See Pulmonary tuberculosis.

Screening for lung cancer with spiral computed tomography scans, particularly among silica- or beryllium-exposed workers who smoke cigarettes, is performed by some clinicians, but trials are required in order to evaluate effective screening modalities. See Non-small cell lung cancer and Small cell lung cancer.

People who are receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy for chronic beryllium disease may also be started on bisphosphonates for the prevention of osteoporosis.