| Silica dust exposure |
Multiple small nodules, especially in the upper lung fields. May show eggshell calcifications in the hilar lymph nodes. |
Presence of eggshell calcifications in the hilar lymph nodes is characteristic of silicosis. |
| Asbestos fiber exposure |
Bilateral, irregular opacities in the lower lung fields, often with a “reticular” or “honeycomb” appearance. May show pleural plaques. |
Presence of pleural plaques, calcified or thickened areas on the pleura, is highly suggestive of asbestos exposure. |
| Coal dust exposure |
Small nodules or opacities in the upper lung fields. Progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) with larger, confluent opacities or masses in advanced cases. |
Presence of PMF with larger opacities or masses is specific to coal worker’s pneumoconiosis. |
| Beryllium exposure |
Small nodules, ground-glass opacities, or diffuse interstitial lung disease. May show hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. |
Presence of hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy is often seen in berylliosis. |
| Aluminum dust exposure |
Fine, irregular opacities typically involving the upper lung zones. May show pleural effusions in severe cases. |
Association with pleural effusions in severe cases. |
| Cadmium dust exposure |
Ground-glass opacities, interstitial fibrosis, and emphysematous changes. May show calcium deposition in the lung parenchyma or pleura. |
Presence of calcium deposition in the lung parenchyma or pleura. |
| Lead dust exposure |
Basal or lower lung predominant interstitial fibrosis with possible upper lobe sparing. May show evidence of lead lines in long bones on radiography. |
Presence of upper lobe sparing and evidence of lead lines in long bones on radiography. |
| Mercury vapor exposure |
Diffuse ground-glass opacities or consolidations. May show pleural effusions. |
Association with pleural effusions. |
| Grain dust exposure |
Transient pulmonary infiltrates or ground-glass opacities. |
Symptoms of acute febrile illness may be present in organic dust toxic syndrome. |
| Isocyanate exposure |
Diffuse ground-glass opacities or consolidation. |
History of exposure to isocyanates, may have associated bronchospasm or asthmatic symptoms. |
