Silicosis

SiPREVENTION: There is a general lack of knowledge about the nature of the disease silicosis and about the sources of silica exposure in the workplace. More than one million U.S. workers are exposedto crystalline silica (silica-free). Prolonged exposure to crystalline silica can cause silicosis, a disease that causes disability in the lungs.
The sand, stone and earth are the most commonmaterials that contain silica. The most common form of crystalline silica is quartz. Inhalation of airborne dust containing crystalline silica can occur in many types of environments: mines, quarries andstone cutting, smelting, painting or blasting sand and glass engraving manufacturing and in certain types of construction work. When you may be exposed to silica?
When working with dry sand, claycontaining quartz or silica
During demolition work of concrete, brick or mortar
During the drill containing quartz stone, clay or sandy soil
During dry sweeping concrete, stone, clay or sand dustInhalation of crystalline silica can cause chronic or accelerated silicosis. Chronic silicosis, the most common form of the disease, usually occurs after 10 or more years of overexposure. Going forwardsilicosis appear serious symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath after intense physical activity. Without adequate controls dust, workers can build tunnels accelerated silicosis, a result ofhigh rates of exposure to silica, which takes only 5 to 10 years to manifest.
There are several measures that employers and employees can take to try to prevent silicosis. Among them, include:Controlling so widespread exposure to dust, minimizing dust in workplaces.
Use abrasive blasting materials that are less hazardous than those containing crystalline silica.
Install engineering controls(localized exhaust ventilation) and containment methods (cabinets and blasting machines) to prevent dust from escaping into the air.
Train workers about the effects of silica dust on health and on...