Silica Dust

Silica dust contains fine particles that form during mechanical alteration to silica-containing materials, such as concrete, bricks, tiles, quartz and other stones. There are two types of silica: amorphous and crystalline. Medical experts and health officials have identified the dust from crystalline silica as hazardous. It is a known human carcinogen and is also associated with several serious health conditions.

A few reports suggest that amorphous silica can cause respiratory diseases (but not silicosis) in workers. Studies in lab animals suggest that although breathing amorphous silica can cause lung inflammation and injury, it is less hazardous than crystalline silica.

Quartz is the most common form of respirable crystalline silica. It is in numerous everyday products, including art clays and glazes, caulk, cleansers, cosmetics, paint, pet litter and talcum powder. When inhaled, dust particles settle deep in the lungs. This can contribute to elevated rates of lung cancer, particularly among individuals with consistent occupational or environmental exposure to silica dust.

Occupational exposure is the greatest risk factor for silica dust-related health conditions. Workers in certain industries face a greater risk of silica dust exposure than others. For example, because cutting or sanding common construction materials produces silica dust, bricklayers, stone masons and construction workers are at increased risk of exposure. Workers in oil and gas extraction, mining and countertop fabrication and installation may also inhale large qualities of silica dust daily.

There is also a risk of secondary exposure to potentially harmful silica dust. Workers who bring the minute particles home on clothing and gear may inadvertently spread them throughout the home. Family members and friends who breathe in these particles may develop complications from silica dust exposure.

Occupational and environmental exposure to silica dust is a known risk in several common occupations. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, approximately 2.3 million people face regular workplace exposure to the mineral. Employers must take steps to reduce silica dust exposure. Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations outline proper precautions.

What Products Contain Silica Dust?

Silica is a mineral that forms within the Earth’s crust that is used to manufacture commonly used products such as clay, granite, glass and concrete. It appears as silicon dioxide in numerous natural materials, with quartz and feldspar being the most significant silica-containing minerals.

Because of its ubiquitous nature, most people have some level of silica dust exposure in the natural course of daily life. However, these levels are rarely harmful. Repeated exposure over years, such as in occupations involving constructing with silica material or manufacturing secondary products with silicon dioxide, can lead to overexposure.

Mining, refining and manufacturing processes often release crystalline silica dust. Excessive exposure to second-hand dust, such as through dust shed from work clothing, may pose health risks.

Silica dust exposure may contribute to several serious, debilitating and life-altering health conditions. Lung cancer and silicosis are among the more severe conditions caused by silica dust.

Pulmonary silicosis is a debilitating condition that causes the formation of silicotic nodules in the lungs. These lesions tend to group in the upper lobes. They can lead to impaired lung function and eventually death. Silica dust exposure is the only cause of silicosis.

How Much Silica Dust Is Harmful?

No clear answer exists on how much silica dust is harmful; however, experts typically do not consider it dangerous in small amounts. Repeated occupational exposure and consistent secondary exposure pose the greatest health risks.

Medical experts generally agree that limiting silica dust exposure is the most effective method for preventing related illnesses. OSHA-established limits for maximum exposure levels provide guidelines for the general public.

Both OSHA and the Mine Safety and Health Administration maintain guidelines and oversee regulations designed to limit silica dust exposure. These include air concentration limits for silica dust and training, safety equipment, monitoring and reporting requirements.

OSHA has issued guidelines for general industry and maritime operations and the construction industry. These established permissible limits for airborne crystalline silica exposure as well as best practices for maintaining those limits. MSHA regulations establish exposure limits, controls for drills and air sampling requirements.

In general, requirements of OSHA regulations mandate the establishment of a written exposure control plan, the designation of someone to implement that plan and restrictions on practices that expose workers to silica dust. Additionally, employers must offer medical exams every three years for certain at-risk workers, train workers on ways to limit silica dust exposure and maintain records of silica exposure and medical exams.

Failure to follow safety guidelines can result in excessive exposure to silica dust, increasing the risk of developing serious health complications. Individuals exposed to silica dust or who worked under unsafe conditions and later developed silicosis may be able to take legal action against product manufacturers or employers. Anyone diagnosed in the past five years with a related health condition, such as silicosis, fibrosis, lung cancer or systemic lupus erythematosus, who also has a history of silica dust exposure, should speak to an attorney to discuss a silicosis lawsuit.