A 63-year-old male construction worker presents with chronic dyspnea. Radiographic examination of the chest reveals a fibrogenic lung response with lymphadenopathy, interstitial parenchymal pattern, and pleural thickening with calcification. Which of the following inorganic dusts is most likely the causative factor?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The radiographic findings described are consistent with asbestos exposure, which is a well-known cause of lung fibrosis, pleural thickening, and calcification. Coal dust exposure can cause lung diseases such as coal workers' pneumoconiosis, but the radiographic features in this case do not suggest coal dust as the causative factor. Barium and calcium carbonate are not associated with occupational lung diseases.

A 63-Year-Old Male Construction Worker Presents with Chronic Dyspnea