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Definition

noun

The asymptomatic, milder type of pneumonoconiosis as caused by the accumulation of carbon in the lungs due to repeated exposure to air pollution or inhalation of smoke or coal dust particles.

Supplement

Anthracosis is often asymptomatic, and not resulting in intense cellular reaction. However, the condition may progress to more serious forms of pneumonoconiosis, such as the complicated coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) or the progressive massive fibrosis (PMF).

Word origin: anthrac- meaning coal, carbon + -osis, condition.
Related forms: anthracotic (adjective).

See also: pneumomelanosis, coal workers pneumoconiosis.

Related terms: pulmonary anthracosis