Tobacco smoking worsens the effects of all inhaled mineral dusts, more so with asbestos than with any other particle. Diagnosis
Typical indications on patient assessment include:
Cough
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Chest X-ray may show a characteristic patchy, subpleural, bibasilar interstitial infiltrates or small cystic radiolucencies called honeycombing, particularly in advanced disease.Pneumoconiosis in combination with multiple pulmonary rheumatoid nodules in rheumatoid arthritis patients is known as Caplans syndrome. Epidemiology
The prevalence as of 2021 of pneumoconiosis is around 527,500 cases, with over 60,000 new patients reported globally in 2017. Prevalence has trended somewhat downward since 2015. The mortality of pneumoconiosis patients remained at a high level in recent years, with over 21,000 deaths each year since 2015. It is likely that pneumoconiosis is under-diagnosed and under-reported, especially in countries without highly developed healthcare systems. Treatment and Prognosis
Lung damage due to pneumoconiosis cannot be reversed. However, some steps can slow down disease progression and relieve symptoms. These include the prescription of medications and breathing treatments to open airways and reduce inflammation. Pulmonary rehabilitation and supplemental oxygen may also be recommended. A lung transplant may be needed in cases of serious diseases. If the patient smokes, smoking cessation is also important. Regular testing, such as X-rays or lung function tests, may be indicated to monitor disease progression. Prevention
To reduce the likelihood of developing pneumoconiosis, individuals working in affected industries should wear a mask, wash skin that comes in contact with dust, remove dust from clothing and wash the face and hands before eating or drinking.
In addition, governments often regulate industry, especially mines, to limit how much dust is in the air. In the United States, coal miners injured by pneumoconiosis and their families may receive monthly payments and medical benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act. See also
Aluminosis
Black Lung Benefits Act of 1972
Chalicosis
Philip DArcy Hart
Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis
Popcorn workers lung disease — diacetyl emissions and airborne dust from butter flavorings used in microwave popcorn production

References
Further reading
Cochrane, A.L. ; Blythe, M. (1989). One Mans Medicine, an autobiography of Professor Archie Cochrane. London: BMJ Books. ISBN 0727902776. (Paperback ed. (2009) Cardiff University ISBN 0954088433. External links

"Pneumoconioses". NIOSH Safety and Health Topic. Center for Disease Control. 30 March 2022. "Black Lung Benefits Act". U.S. Department of Labor. Archived from the original on 2010-05-27. Retrieved 2007-03-02. Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis at Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy Professional Edition
Black Lung — United Mine Workers of America
"Black Lung" (PDF). U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-05-30. A Conversation about Mining and Black Lung Disease
Flavorings-Related Lung Disease
The Institute of Occupational Medicine and its research into pneumocomiosis
Miller, B.G. ; Kinnear, A.G. Pneumoconiosis in coalminers and exposure to dust of variable quartz content (PDF) (Technical report). Institute of Occupational Medicine. TM/88/17.