Write a short note on pneumoconiosis

Pneumoconiosis -This is a lung discase caused by inhalation of coal dust laden air over long periods of time(Some years) When a man breathes dusty air, coal dust particles coarser than 7 micron size(1 micron =1/1000mm)are held up in the upper respiratory tract but various percentage of particles of other sizes reach the lung.Some of these cling to the lung surface forming nodules and render some area inactive.On repeated inhalation in such air over extend periods of time,more and more area is involved,causing shortness of breath and weakness.Grandually the man loses total energy to work.It renders the man prone to bronchitis and T.B.also. So far no satisfactory cure of this disease could be found.Hence the only option is prevention.As per the Mines Rules mine workers are subjected to initial and periodic (5years)medical examination,and the X-ray plates are checked to detect the disease in early stage.If necessary his work place is changed to limit the exposure to dust.Under the Mines Act pneumoconiosis is notified as an occupational disease of coal mines,for which the management has to pay compensation as per Workmen's Compensation Rules.