Does Silicosis Ever Go Away?

Why Are So Many Workers Still Exposed to Silica?

What Are The Major Symptoms And Signs Of Silicosis?

What Happens When You Breathe in Silica Dust ?

How Do You Prevent Silicosis?

What Is Silicosis Lung Disease?

Can Silicosis Be Fatal?

What Is Silicosis Lung Disease?

Silicosis is a breathing system that affects the lungs. It is caused by breathing in tiny particles of silica, which is a mineral that constitutes rock, sand, and some mineral ores (for example quartz). The most susceptible demographic are the individuals who work with silica; for instance, glass manufacturers, miners, and foundry workers are exposed to silica dust. Long-term exposure to silica dust scars the lungs, which in turn affects how the lungs function.

Long-Term exposure to RCS can result in the formation of fibrosis (which is scarring or hardening) of one’s lung tissues. Consequently, the lungs are unable to function normally, causing suffers experiencing severe breath shortness. The suffer end up having difficulties walking up stairs or short distances. It is also important to note that with increased exposure, the effects exacerbate even further. And since the condition is irreversible, suffers typically end up bedridden and house-bound. Moreover, the vast majority of suffers will die prematurely as a result of heart failure.

Silicosis was particularly prevalent in Australia’s construction and demolitions industry between the 1940s and 60s. However, the increased awareness of the need to reduce exposure to silica particles has seen industry workers taking precautions steps to mitigate dust exposure. Some of the steps taken include wetting the dust, wearing masks, and other safety practices. This reduced the overall number of Silicosis cases.

That being said, there is a worrying trend of increased reported cases of Silicosis as evidenced by the in New South Wales parliamentary committee hearing. However, the increased cases of Silicosis are not emanating from the traditional sources of the ailment. The increased cases of Silicosis are being reported by workers installing engineered stone products. These products are especially popular for tile and benchtop installations.

The Effects Of Silicosis On Your Body

Silicosis mostly affects the lungs as it damages the lining that covers the air suck. After the particles attach to the lining, it causes the scarring, which can result in progressive massive fibrosis. The massive scarring results in the stiffening of the lungs, making it very difficult to breathe.

The main 3 types of silicosis are:

The first type is acute silicosis. It causes weight loss, coughing, and fatigue within just a few weeks or months of exposure to silica. However, the symptoms might take as long as years to develop.

The second type is the Chronic Silicosis. The symptoms of this type of silicosis appear after 10 to 30 years. It affects the upper lungs and can also cause severe scarring.

The third type of silicosis is Accelerated silicosis. It occurs within 10 years of high-level exposure.

However, silicosis can be classified based on whether it is simple or complicated silicosis. The simple silicosis causes the formation of numerous white spots (known as nodules) that are visible on a chest CT scan or x-ray. On the other hand, complicated silicosis causes the formation of large scarring, which is also known as massive fibrosis.

Generally speaking, the more scaring one has, the more widespread silicosis is. Additionally, the more trouble one will have with regards to breathing owing to the lung’s lost capacity to expanding and contracting. It also increases the chances of contracting tuberculosis.

When you get silicosis, the lung capacity will decrease, eventually, to the point, you will need an oxygen supply to keep breathing.

Is Silicosis A Serious Ailment?

Silicosis can result in major and extensive lung damage. Such cases of silicosis cause more than 100 deaths per annum in the United States.

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The Risk of Silicosis

Silica is a compound formed from silicon and oxygen, often found in quartz, flint, agate, beach sand, sandstone and glass. When Silica particles are inhaled, it results in the formation of scar tissue in the lungs preventing oxygen from getting in the blood. This condition eventually results in a disease called Silicosis, an incurable and progressive lung disease.

More than one million workers are occupationally exposed to crystalline silica dusts in the United States. According to the World Health Organization, more than 100,000 of these workers are sandblasters. What is alarming is that 59,000 of them will eventually develop silicosis.

Sandblasting and Silicosis:

In Sandblasting, compressed air or steam is used to project a stream of abrasive particles onto a surface, which commonly includes materials like silica sand. Sandblasters or workers who operate this process are continually exposed to the harmful substance while cleaning sand and irregularities from foundry castings, removing paint etc because the silica sand used in abrasive blasting normally breaks up into fine particles and becomes airborne. Since these silica particles are invisible to the naked eye, workers may not be aware of the risks they are involved in, while performing their daily tasks.

In a research conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health during the late 1990s, 99 sandblasters with cases of Silicosis were studied. Fourteen of them died from the disease. The remaining 85 developed complications related to Silicosis and were at risk of death. However, the relation between Silicosis and Sandblasting is not recent. As far back as in 1936, a study in Great Britain reported that 5.4% of a population of sandblasters died from silicosis or silicosis with tuberculosis during a 3 and a half year period.

Prevention of Silicosis for Sandblasters:

Avoiding inhalation of dust containing free crystalline silica is the first basic step to prevent development of Silicosis by people in the Sandblasting occupation. The use of crystalline silica for blast cleaning operations was already prohibited in Great Britain in 1950 followed by other European countries in 1966.

Adequate respiratory protection such as a type CE Abrasive Blasting Respirator should be used by everyone engaged in the sandblasting occupation, especially for workers adjacent to blasting operation machines.

Pneumatic (relating to air or other gases) tools used in industries like granite cutting tends to release larger quantities of free crystalline silica-containing dust. The use of these tools must be accompanied by an efficient dust control system.

Using safer materials such as Specular Hematite, Blasting Cullet, slag, or steel grit and shot as abrasive for sandblasting, instead of sand greatly decreases the chances of inhaling crystalline Silica particles.

Wetting down dry materials and surfaces before working on them also reduces the chances of crystalline Silica containing dusts becoming airborne. Eating, drinking, or smoking near sandblasting operations greatly increases the chances of crystalline Silica inhalation. Do wash your hands before. Do not take work clothes back home, which unnecessarily increases risks of exposure to your family and yourself.

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