Calcicosis

/ˌkælsɪˈkoʊsɪs/ noun

Definition

A lung disease caused by inhaling dust containing lime or calcium compounds, similar to silicosis but from limestone dust.

Etymology

From Latin 'calcis' (lime) + Greek '-osis' (condition or disease). The term was developed in occupational medicine to describe respiratory problems in workers exposed to lime dust.

Kelly Says

Stoneworkers and cement workers can develop calcicosis from breathing limestone dust for years—their lungs literally calcify from the minerals they inhale, like turning into living concrete!

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