Comment on the Underwriting of Silicosis

When particles of sand smaller than 1/2500 of an inch in diameter have been inhaled by human beings in quantities too large to be ejected, or to be absorbed by the body's mechanical or chemical safeguards, the inevitable consequence is silicosis. The generally accepted theory of the action of the sand particles is that silica reacting with alkalies in the body forms silica hydrosol. This substance coagulates fluids of the lung tissue to such a degree that osmotic action cannot take place. Cells of the lung tissue starve. This action is continuous and ultimately results in total impairment of the lungs. During the process the sufferer's susceptibility to pneumonia and pulmonary tuberculosis is greatly increased. The disease may be definitely diagnosed by an X-ray study.