ay be caused by long - term exposure to dust containing silicon compounds.•High risk industries quarrying, granite, slate, sandstone, mining stone MASONRY, sand blasting and stone masonry, sand blasting GLASS and pottery work. •Inhaled silica particles accumulate in the alveoli.•The particles are ingested by macrophages, and are actively TOXIC to these cells.•The inflammatory reaction is triggered when the macrophages destroy the particles and this results in significant fibrosis.•Silicosis appears to predispose to the development of tuberculosis, which RAPIDLY progresses to TUBERCULAR bronchopneumonia and possibly military TB.•Gradual destruction of lung tissue leads to progressive reduction in pulmonary function, pulmonary hypertension and heart failure.•Asbestosis caused by inhaling asbestos fibre usually develops after 10 to 20 years exposure but sometimes after only 2 years.•Asbestos miners and workers involved in making and using some products containing asbestos are at risk.•There are different types of asbestosis but blue asbestosis is associated with the most serious disease.