New Diagnostic Tools for Silicosis: What Workers Should Know?

Silicosis remains one of the most dangerous occupational lung diseases in the U.S., especially for workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica in industries like mining, construction, and stone fabrication. With no current cure and limited treatment options, early diagnosis using advanced silicosis diagnostic tools is critical for improving long-term outcomes.

AI and Blood-Based Screening Tools Offer Early Warnings

Researchers have made substantial progress in the effort to find effective diagnostic methods for silicosis. Scientists found that specific biomarkers, such as D-dimer (DD) and white blood cell count (WBC), can be used in conjunction with machine learning to diagnose silicosis.

These models can differentiate silicosis patients from healthy individuals with a high degree of accuracy. This also makes it easier to screen large worker populations efficiently. Workers in high-risk industries may benefit from this cost-effective approach that is revolutionizing how silicosis screening is handled.

Imaging Technology Powered by Deep Learning

While blood-screening tests continue to evolve, researchers are also exploring the possibilities of using artificial intelligence to transform how doctors interpret medical imaging. Deep learning algorithms trained on chest X-rays and CT scans can now detect silicosis with greater precision than traditional radiology alone.

These systems recognize fine details, such as early nodules or subtle lung scarring. Radiologists are prone to missing these signs in the early stages of silicosis. With the aid of deep learning, patients can even be diagnosed before symptoms appear. The technology is especially useful in occupational health clinics that routinely evaluate high-risk workers.

Understanding the Risks of Low-Level Silica Exposure

Along with new diagnostic tools, new data is reinforcing the urgency behind these diagnostic improvements. Findings from a large-scale study that involved over 30,000 workers revealed that even low levels of silica that fall within current permissible exposure limits can lead to silicosis over time.

These new findings suggest that federal limits may not offer adequate protection, especially in environments where artificial stone or engineered quartz is cut or ground. As those findings raise concerns about the dangers of moderate exposure to silica, new breakthroughs offer new means of diagnosing silicosis at its earliest stages.

Breakthrough Breath Test Offers Real-Time Screening

Ongoing research overseas may have implications for new treatment options in the United States. One of the most promising diagnostic breakthroughs comes from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), where scientists have developed a non-invasive breath test that can detect silicosis in just minutes.

The method uses mass spectrometry and artificial intelligence to analyze volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath. Early tests show that the test is more than 90% accurate when it comes to distinguishing between healthy individuals and silicosis patients. The test only takes five minutes to complete.

California Launches New Public Health Surveillance to Monitor Silicosis Cases

California is leading the way in silicosis surveillance. In February 2025, the California Department of Public Health launched a public-facing dashboard that tracks silicosis cases statewide. Early data found 247 confirmed cases and 15 deaths. The rates of disease and death are particularly high among workers who work with artificial stone countertops.

The online dashboard breaks down case data by region, age at diagnosis, and more. This transparency comes in response to a 2022 investigation by Public Health Watch, Univision, and Southern California Public Radio, which uncovered a major silicosis cluster among workers in the Los Angeles area.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Diagnostic Test for Silicosis?

A: The primary diagnostic test for silicosis is a chest X-ray evaluated by a certified reader trained to identify lung changes caused by silica exposure. In some cases, high-resolution CT scans are used for greater accuracy. Diagnosis also includes a detailed work history and respiratory evaluation. Early testing allows workers to begin treatment and stop further exposure before the condition worsens.

Q: How Do You Test for Silica Dust?

A: Testing for silica dust involves measuring airborne particles in the work environment using specialized sampling equipment. Workers wear personal air sampling devices to capture respirable crystalline silica during shifts. Collected samples are analyzed in a laboratory to determine exposure levels. If levels are high, workers can demand better protection and refuse unsafe conditions backed by documented evidence.

Q: What Can Be Mistaken for Silicosis?

A: Several lung conditions can be mistaken for silicosis, including tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, and pulmonary fibrosis. These diseases may present with similar symptoms, such as coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Imaging results may also look alike, which is why a detailed occupational history is critical. Doctors must connect lung damage to workplace exposure to confirm a silicosis diagnosis.

Q: What Biomarkers Are Used in Silicosis?

A: Researchers are studying biomarkers such as inflammatory proteins and certain autoantibodies found in blood or lung fluid to support silicosis diagnosis. While imaging remains the standard, biomarkers may help identify disease earlier or monitor progression. These tools are not widely used in clinical settings yet, but show promise in improving how silicosis is diagnosed and tracked over time in exposed workers.

Q: Can AI Be Used to Diagnose Silicosis?

A: Yes, artificial intelligence can be used to diagnose silicosis. Deep learning models can analyze digital images to detect early lung abnormalities caused by exposure to silica dust. These tools are capable of outperforming traditional readings by identifying subtle signs that are sometimes missed by human radiologists.

Other AI models are being used to interpret biomarker data and breathing patterns. While this technology has not experienced widespread use in hospitals, it offers promising options for future diagnosis tools.

You Deserve Answers. Contact Wallace & Graham, P.A. Today

For workers exposed to silica dust, early diagnosis can mean the difference between manageable symptoms and permanent lung damage. New tools like high-resolution CT scans and updated pulmonary function tests are helping doctors catch silicosis sooner, but many cases still go undetected until the disease is advanced.

At Wallace & Graham, P.A., we represent workers whose health has been compromised by unsafe job conditions. If you’ve been exposed to silica and are experiencing breathing problems or other symptoms, you may have a legal claim. Contact Wallace & Graham, P.A. today to schedule your consultation.