Development of silicosis is influenced by several factors which include:
Form of the silica
Content of crystalline-free silica in the dust
Amount and kind of dust inhaled
Relative size of the inhaled particles
Length of exposure
Individual resistance
Smoking habits
Disease status
Age
By John A. Mineo - Dir. Construction & Engineering A.I.G. New York, New York
Crystalline silica is the basic component of sand, quartz and granite rock. Airborne crystalline silica occurs commonly in both work and non-work environments. Activities such as a sandblasting, rock drilling, roof bolting, foundry work, stonecutting, drilling, quarrying, brick/block/concrete cutting, gunite operations, lead-based paint encapsulant applications, asphalt paving, cement products manufacturing, demolition operations, hammering, chipping and sweeping concrete or masonry, and tunneling operations can create an airborne silica exposure hazard.
Occupational exposure and inhalation of airborne crystalline silica can produce silicosis, a disabling, dust-related disease of the lungs. Even materials containing small amounts of crystalline silica may be hazardous if they are used in ways that produce high dust concentrations. Depending on the length of exposure, silicosis is a progressive and many times a fatal disease that accounts for approximately three hundred deaths annually in the construction industry, or 10% of all silicosis-related deaths annually.
Inhaling silica dust has also been associated with other diseases, such as tuberculosis and lung cancer. There is no cure for silicosis, but it is a 100% preventable occupational disease.
Full-face mask air-purifying respirator with replaceable N-95 (or higher) filters.
1.Chronic silicosis: Usually occurs after 10 or more years of exposure to crystalline silica at low levels. This is the most common type of silicosis.
2.Accelerated silicosis: Results from exposure to higher levels of crystalline silica and occurs 5 to 10 years after exposure.
3.Acute silicosis: Can occur after only weeks or months of exposure to very high levels of crystalline silica. Death occurs within months. The lungs drown in their own fluids.
Supplied-air respirator (SAR) equipped with: Full facepiece and Pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode.
Choosing the right respirator that fits you snugly is important for protecting your health. Your employer will help you choose the type of respirator you need.
ALWAYS USE NIOSH-APPROVED RESPIRATORS. The type of respirator you need depends on:
·The amount of silica dust to which you are exposed, and
·The kind of work you need to do.
·If you must do abrasive blasting, use only a type CE pressure demand abrasive blasting respirator.
Respirators used for protection from crystalline silica should not cause undue discomfort. If you have problems with your respirators, report immediately to your supervisor.
