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Updated: Feb 27, 2026

A Silicosis Mouse Model Established by Repeated Inhalation of Crystalline Silica Dust
Published on: January 6, 2023
Non-smoking Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Attributed to Occupational Exposure to Silica Dust
Kazuo Tsuchiya1, Mikio Toyoshima1, Yosuke Kamiya2
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hamamatsu Rosai Hospital, Japan.
Abstract:
An 85-year-old, never-smoking man presented with exertional dyspnea. He had been exposed to silica dust in the work place. Chest computed tomography revealed bronchial wall thickening without emphysema. A pulmonary function test showed airflow obstruction without impaired gas transfer. Airway hyperresponsiveness and reversibility were not evident. A transbronchial lung biopsy showed findings suggestive of mineral dust exposure, such as fibrosis and slight pigmentation of bronchioles. He was diagnosed with non-smoking chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to occupational exposure to silica dust. His symptoms were improved using an inhaled long-acting bronchodilator. The clinical characteristics of non-smoking COPD are discussed in this report.
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