Anthracosis is symptomatic or asymptomatic?

• A. Symptomatic
• B. Asymptomatic
• C. Usually symptomatic
• D. Always asymptomatic

Answer: (B)

Anthracosis is asymptomatic. It involves deposition of carbon pigment in the lungs from inhaled air pollution or coal dust, but the pigment is inert and generally does not provoke inflammation, fibrosis, or airway obstruction. Because of this, most individuals do not notice any symptoms and the finding is often incidental on imaging or autopsy. Only when there is heavy exposure or accompanying lung disease might symptoms arise, but by itself it is typically silent.