Silicosis is caused by exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust. Crystalline silica is a basic component of soil, sand, granite, and most other types of rock, and it is used as an abrasive blasting agent. Silicosis is a progressive, disabling, and often fatal lung disease. Cigarette smoking adds to the lung damage caused by silica.

Effects of Silicosis

• Lung cancer – Silica has been classified as a human lung carcinogen.
• Bronchitis/Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder.
• Tuberculosis – Silicosis makes an individual more susceptible to TB.
• Scleroderma – a disease affecting skin, blood vessels, joints and skeletal muscles.
• Possible renal disease.

Symptoms of Silicosis

• Shortness of breath; possible fever.
• Fatigue; loss of appetite.
• Chest pain; dry, nonproductive cough.
• Respiratory failure, which may eventually lead to death.

Sources of Exposure

• Sandblasting for surface preparation.
• Crushing and drilling rock and concrete.
• Masonry and concrete work (e.g., building and road construction and repair).
• Mining/tunneling; demolition work.
• Cement and asphalt pavement manufacturing.

Preventing Silicosis

• Use all available engineering controls such as blasting cabinets and local exhaust ventilation. Avoid using compressed air for cleaning surfaces.
• Use water sprays, wet methods for cutting, chipping, drilling, sawing, grinding, etc.
• Substitute non-crystalline silica blasting material.
• Use respirators approved for protection against silica; if sandblasting, use abrasive blasting respirators.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke near crystalline silica dust.
• Wash hands and face before eating, drinking or smoking away from exposure area.