Diagnostic Criteria for Hard Metal Pneumoconiosis

Has the patient had a significant exposure to dust containing hard metals such as tungsten carbide or cobalt?

Does the patient have persistent respiratory findings such as cough and dyspnea on exertion?

Is there evidence of interstitial lung disease on chest imaging studies?

• interstitial lung disease with or without honeycombing?

• giant cell interstitial pneumonia?

Can the hard metal be demonstrated in the lung tissue?

Does the patient have a history of smoking?