Respirable Silica

Respirable silica is a common mineral found in many construction and industrial materials, including sand, stone, and concrete. Exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust poses significant health risks to workers who inhale the particles into their lungs. These dust particles can become trapped in lung tissue, causing inflammation and scarring that reduces the lungs’ ability to take in oxygen, leading to silicosis.

Silicosis is a progressive, debilitating, and sometimes fatal disease that results in permanent lung damage. Chronic silicosis typically occurs after 10 or more years of exposure to respirable crystalline silica, although heavy exposure can result in the disease developing more quickly. Even after workplace exposures have stopped, silicosis can continue to progress.

Symptoms of silicosis include cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain. There is no cure for silicosis, and some patients may require lung transplantation. Workers exposed to silica and those who have silicosis are also at increased risk of tuberculosis (TB), a contagious and potentially life-threatening infection.

In addition to silicosis and TB, exposure to respirable crystalline silica also puts workers at risk for developing other serious diseases such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney disease, and autoimmune disease. Lung cancer results from cells in the body that grow out of control and develop into tumors. COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema and can lead to shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, phlegm or sputum production, and trouble breathing. Studies of workers have shown that increasing levels of silica exposure are associated with increasing risks for chronic kidney disease, and silica exposure is also associated with an increased risk for a variety of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).

Employers must take steps to protect workers from exposure to respirable crystalline silica. These steps may include using engineering controls such as ventilation systems, substituting less hazardous materials, and using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators. Workers should also receive appropriate training on the hazards of silica dust and how to use PPE correctly. By taking these steps, employers can help prevent worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica and reduce the risk of serious respiratory and other health conditions associated with exposure.