Because the various pneumoconiosis present after exposure to specific particles and dust, their historical perspective varies according to the antigen. Generally, once patients began to present following exposure to a particle, safety measures and awareness followed.

• There is evidence in ancient Egypt and Greece for a disease caused by silica inhalation. ^[1][2]
• Berylliosis was coined in 1946, when fluorescent lamp workers began presenting with pulmonary granulomatous diseases. ^[3]

• Many countries have banned the use of asbestosis and the United States has significantly decreased its use since the 1970s. ^[4]
• The UK limited its use of silica since 1949. ^[5]