What is "pneumoconiosis"

n. (context disease English) A disease of the lungs caused by inhalation of particulate matter.

n. chronic respiratory disease caused by inhaling metallic or mineral particles [syn: pneumonoconiosis]

Pneumoconiosis is an occupational lung disease and a restrictive lung disease caused by the inhalation of dust, often in mines and from agriculture.

In 2013 it resulted in 260,000 deaths up from 251,000 deaths in 1990. Of these deaths 46,000 were due to silicosis, 24,000 due to asbestosis and 25,000 due to coal workers pneumoconiosis.