Occupational health: Siderosis is a pneumoconiosis primarily caused by inhalation of which type of dust?

Introduction / Context:
Pneumoconioses are lung diseases caused by chronic inhalation of mineral or metal dusts. In heavy industry, welding, foundries, and ore handling create specific exposure profiles. Correct identification supports proper PPE, ventilation, and regulatory compliance.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Workers may be exposed to iron, silica, or coal dusts.
• Question asks specifically about siderosis.
• Focus on the etiologic agent (dust type), not clinical management.

Concept / Approach:
Siderosis (from Greek “sideros,” iron) is an iron-oxide dust deposition disease. Radiographically, it may show characteristic opacities without the fibrosis degree associated with silicosis. Exposure arises from welding fumes, grinding, and iron ore handling.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Match disease to dust: siderosis ↔ iron/iron-oxide dust.2) Differentiate from silicosis (silica) and coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (coal dust).3) Select the correct dust: iron.

Verification / Alternative check:
Occupational hygiene literature consistently associates siderosis with iron oxide inhalation, especially in welders and metal grinders.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Silica dust: Causes silicosis, a different disease with notable fibrosis.Coal dust: Causes coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (anthracosis), not siderosis.None: Incorrect because siderosis has a known causative dust (iron).

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing the various pneumoconioses due to overlapping industrial environments.Assuming all dust-related lung diseases have identical pathology.

Final Answer:
Iron dust