Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust (e.g., during drilling/mining/refractory work) primarily causes silicosis—a fibrotic lung disease—characterized early by progressive shortness of breath; identify the typical outcome/symptom.

Introduction / Context:
Chronic inhalation of respirable crystalline silica (quartz, cristobalite, tridymite) is a classic occupational hazard in mining, stone cutting, foundries, and refractory manufacture. The hallmark disease is silicosis, a pneumoconiosis involving lung fibrosis that progressively impairs gas exchange.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Exposure occurs in settings like mica/lead/zinc mining, foundries, refractories.
• Question seeks a typical health effect attributable to silica dust inhalation.
• We require exactly one correct option; Recovery-First clarifies symptom-level outcome.

Concept / Approach:
Pathophysiology: silica particles deposit in alveoli, activate macrophages, and induce fibrotic nodules. Clinically, this manifests as exertional dyspnea that may progress to breathlessness at rest, with cough and reduced lung function. Silica exposure also increases susceptibility to tuberculosis, but TB is not an inevitable or immediate direct outcome for every exposed worker; dyspnea due to silicosis is the characteristic, consistent effect.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Occupational medicine references consistently list dyspnea and restrictive defects on spirometry as primary clinical features; radiographs show small rounded opacities predominantly in upper lobes.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming silica directly “causes tuberculosis” in all cases; it increases susceptibility but TB is not universal.

Final Answer:
Progressive shortness of breath (dyspnea)