Silicosis is a disabling, nonreversible and sometimes fatal lung disease caused by overexposure to respirable crystalline silica. Silica is the second most common mineral in the earth's crust and is a major component of sand, rock, and mineral ores. Overexposure to dust that contains microscopic particles of crystalline silica can cause scar tissue to form in the lungs, which reduces the lungs' ability to extract oxygen from the air we breathe. Typical sand found at the beach does not pose a silicosis threat.
More than 1 million U.S. workers are exposed to crystalline silica. Each year, more than 250 American workers die with silicosis. There is no cure for the disease, but it is 100 percent preventable if employers, workers, and health professionals work together to reduce exposures.
In addition to silicosis, inhalation of crystalline silica particles has been associated with other diseases, such as bronchitis and tuberculosis. Some studies also indicate an association with lung cancer.
Construction (sandblasting, rock drilling, masonry work, jack hammering, tunneling) Stone cutting (sawing,abrasive,
blasting, chipping, grinding) Agriculture (dusty conditions from disturbing the soil, such as plowing or harvesting)
Glass manufacturing, Foundry work (grinding, moldings, shakeout, core room) Shipbuilding (abrasive blasting)
Ceramics, Clay, and Pottery, Railroad (setting and laying track) Manufacturing of Soaps and Detergents,
Manufacturing and use of abrasives
More than 100,000 workers in the United States encounter high-risk, silica exposures through sandblasting, rock drilling, and mining. Workers who remove paint and rust from buildings, bridges, tanks, and other surfaces; clean foundry castings; work with stone or clay; etch or frost glass; and work in construction are at risk of overexposure to crystalline silica.
Chronic silicosis usually occurs after 10 or more years of overexposure.
Accelerated silicosis results from higher exposures and develops over 5-10 years.
Acute silicosis occurs where exposures are the highest and can cause symptoms to develop within a few weeks or up to 5 years.
Chronic silicosis, the most common form of the disease, may go undetected for years in the early stages; in fact, a chest X-ray may not reveal an abnormality until after 15 or 20 years of exposure. The body's ability to fight infections may be overwhelmed by silica dust in the lungs, making workers more susceptible to certain illnesses, such as tuberculosis. As a result, workers may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:
Everyone needs to be more aware of their surroundings as they pertain to such environments as described above. If you work in an environment where there is a strong concentration of dust from masonry drilling, sawing, blasting, etc., then you may be a prime candidate for employing the use of some type of respirator. If you feel that you are exposed to these kinds of conditions, please make arrangements with your supervisor and/or myself to make a determination to see if a respirator is needed for this protection.