Chest x-ray showing eggshell calcification of hilar nodes is most consistent with silicosis from which occupation?

• A. Building demolitioners
• B. Coal miners
• C. Sandblasters
• D. Farmers

Answer: (C)

Eggshell calcification of hilar lymph nodes on a chest X‑ray is a classic radiographic feature of silicosis, which results from inhaled crystalline silica dust provoking granulomatous nodules and peripheral calcification of the lymph nodes. Sandblasting involves intense exposure to silica-containing dust, making it the occupation most strongly linked to this pattern. Coal miners typically develop coal workers’ pneumoconiosis with different nodular patterns, farmers have less silica exposure, and demolition work can involve various dusts but not the classic silica eggshell finding as reliably as sandblasting.