Silicosis: Caused by exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust)

Silica dust is generated when materials containing crystalline silica are cut, sanded, polished, drilled or blasted. When very fine particles, known as respirable crystalline silica, are inhaled, they can travel deep into the lungs. Prolonged or high-level exposure can cause silicosis, an irreversible lung disease that causes inflammation and scarring and can affect a person’s ability to breathe.

Silica is found in many materials common on construction and mining sites, including soil, concrete, masonry, rock, granite and landscaping materials.

If your patient works in an environment where they are exposed to very fine silica dust, encourage them to speak to their employer about how they can reduce their exposure. If your patient is concerned about past or current exposure to silica dust, consider their need for occupational health monitoring or referral to an appropriately qualified respiratory or occupational physician, in accordance with current clinical guidance. Early detection and control of further exposure to silica dust are important and may contribute to better health outcomes. Some workers may be eligible for no-cost lung screening through Worker Lung Check. Eligibility criteria apply. Visit the Worker Lung Check website or contact MAQOHSC for further information.

Silicosis health assessments (Lung Screening)

Diagnosis of silicosis is based on a comprehensive clinical and radiological assessment and may include:

• a detailed occupational and exposure history
• a review of respiratory symptoms
• a clinical examination focused on the respiratory system
• lung function testing conducted to applicable professional standards
• chest imaging, as clinically indicated, which may include an ILO-classified chest X-ray or low-dose high-resolution computed tomography, known as HRCT.

Support for your patient during silicosis health assessments

We understand that undergoing testing for silicosis may cause your patient to feel worried or anxious about what this means for them and their family. Support is available during the assessment process.

For more information on the available support, visit our worker page.

Silicosis work injury claim

If your patient has been diagnosed with silicosis, they can contact us on 08 8233 2545 or email silicosis@rtwsa.com to start the claim. A specialist team within ReturnToWorkSA will work closely with them to assess and manage their claim and arrange the care and support to best manage their condition.

More information:

• Support for people diagnosed with silicosis fact sheet

Further resources

National guidance for doctors assessing workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust (January 2026) - This guidance is intended for medical practitioners consulted by workers currently or formerly exposed to respirable crystalline silica. This document is intended to be a general guide to support appropriate clinical practice.

The Royal College of Physicians AFOEM and the Thoracic Society of Australia and NZ (TSANZ) have created public resources which are available online here.

SafeWork Australia has released Health Monitoring Guidelines for Crystalline Silica available online which provides practical guidance about requirements under the WHS laws for health monitoring.