Silica exposure remains a serious threat to
nearly 2 million U.S. workers, including more than
100,000 workers in high risk jobs such as abrasive
blasting, foundry work, stonecutting, rock drilling,
quarry work and tunneling. The seriousness of
the health hazards associated with silica exposure
is demonstrated by the fatalities and disabling
illnesses that continue to occur in sandblasters and
rockdrillers. Crystalline silica has been classified
as a human lung carcinogen. Additionally, breathing
crystalline silica dust can cause silicosis, which
in severe cases can be disabling, or even fatal.
The respirable silica dust enters the lungs and
causes the formation of scar tissue, thus reducing
the lungs’ ability to take in oxygen. There is no
cure for silicosis. Since silicosis affects lung function,
it makes one more susceptible to lung infections
like tuberculosis. In addition, smoking causes
lung damage and adds to the damage caused by
breathing silica dus