Story: Gold and gold mining

Diseased and healthy lung (1st of 2)

Diseased and healthy lung

Compare these sections cut from a diseased lung with large cavities (left) and a pink, healthy lung (right). The diseased lung shows a case of miner’s phthisis (also known as silicosis) which has led to tuberculosis. Quartz dust is inhaled by miners, and trapped in the lungs causes silicosis making the victim more susceptible to diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumonia.

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Stewart Pathology Museum, Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences

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How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond, 'Gold and gold mining - West Coast', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/9722/diseased-and-healthy-lung (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond, published 12 Jun 2006