The pneumoconioses are by and large industrial diseases, although casual contact may be important on occasion, particularly with asbestos. The effect of dust on the lung ranges from only radiographic changes to severe functional impairment. Destruction and fibrosis of lung parenchyma may be the end result in severe disease. Great improvement has been made in recent years in the control of dust in the numerous situations where it may cause disease. We are still faced with evaluating existing standards of particle concentration in air breathed by workers and establishing safe limits and better control of the particles placed into the general environment. Undoubtedly, there are other particulates which potentially can cause lung disease of which we are not aware. Of even more concern is the realization that a latent period of 20 years or so may be necessary for physicians to become aware of the pathologic process. Every physician who sees patients with pulmonary problems must inquire regarding a history of dust exposure and be prepared to interpret that history.
尘肺病大体上属于职业病，不过偶尔的偶然接触也可能很重要，尤其是接触石棉时。粉尘对肺部的影响范围从仅有的影像学改变到严重的功能损害。在严重的病例中，肺实质的破坏和纤维化可能是最终结果。近年来，在众多可能导致疾病的粉尘控制方面已经取得了很大进展。我们仍然面临着评估工人呼吸空气中颗粒浓度的现有标准，以及确定安全限值并更好地控制排放到一般环境中的颗粒。毫无疑问，还有其他我们尚未意识到的潜在可导致肺部疾病的颗粒物。更令人担忧的是，医生可能需要大约20年的潜伏期才能意识到病理过程。每位诊治肺部疾病患者的医生都必须询问粉尘接触史，并准备好解读该病史。
