Silicosis Diagnosis Test Can Use AI To Detect Deadly Condition in Minutes

New test appears to be 90% accurate in detecting volatile organic compounds released by individuals with silicosis, a deadly lung condition that often impacts stone countertop workers.

According to the findings of a new study, a recently developed breath test could help diagnose silicosis in its early stages, leading to early treatment and better outcomes for individuals who face a greater risk of developing the deadly lung disease after fabricating, cutting and installing artificial quartz stone countertop products.

Silicosis is a severe, often fatal lung disease that arises solely from inhaling silica dust, a fine particulate found commonly in quartz, sandstone and other rocks. This condition begins with inflammation and scarring in the lungs, potentially progressing to complete lung failure.

Silicosis is notoriously difficult to detect in its early stages, as its symptoms often mimic those of other respiratory conditions, leading to frequent misdiagnoses. Patients may experience coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue, symptoms that are commonly attributed to more benign ailments like asthma or bronchitis.

However, researchers from Australia published a study in the Journal of Breath Research on March 21, indicating that an artificial intelligence-powered breath analysis could diagnose silicosis in minutes.

The researchers conducted a study involving patients clinically diagnosed with silicosis, comparing them to individuals without any documented lung disorders. They utilized a test that detects volatile organic compounds composed of small gas molecules. These molecules alter in composition in response to various diseases, providing a basis for comparison and diagnosis.

According to their findings, the test was 90% accurate, which is a better success rate than traditional lung function tests.

“While our test is yet to be trialed in real-world clinics, our results so far suggest breath testing could become a crucial tool in workplace health screening,” the researchers concluded. “Early detection would prevent suffering and disease progression, and reduce health care costs.”

The researchers indicated the rapid and early diagnosis provided by the breath test could result in earlier treatment, resulting in better health outcomes.

Silicosis Lawsuits

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified a high prevalence of silicosis among stone fabricators, with epidemiological studies showing incidence rates between 30% and 40%.

The fabricated stone countertop industry has been identified as a major source of silica dust exposure.

Often referred to as “engineered stone,” these popular quartz countertops have been linked to a significant silicosis risk for stone fabricators, who often inhale large volumes of silica dust as they shape and cut the countertops to fit consumers’ kitchens and bathrooms.

As research continues to support the link between silica dust exposure and silicosis, a growing number of workers and surviving family members have filed silicosis lawsuits against manufacturers and distributors of quartz countertops, alleging that they failed to provide information to stone cutters and fabricators about the potential risks associated with exposure to silica dust.