Silicosis: A Review. Michael I. Greenberg, Javier Waksman, and John Curtis. Dis Mon 2007;53:394-416. Silicosis is a potentially fatal, irreversible, fibrotic pulmonary disease that may develop subsequent to the inhalation of large amounts of silica dust over time. In most circumstances, silicosis only develops subsequent to substantial occupational exposures. The disease has a long latency period and may clinically present as an acute, accelerated, or chronic disease.[ Full Text PDF ]