pulmonary siderosis

Last reviewed 01/2018

Siderosis is an occupational lung disease that is the result of exposure to iron and its oxides.

It is especially seen in workers in haematite mines, and those who work in the iron and steel industries.

Siderosis gives a similar pattern of disease to that found in simple pneumoconiosis, ie it is usually assymptomatic but there is a striking mottled appearance on chest X-ray.

A similar pattern of disease may be produced by exposure to other metals such as tin.