Other ways to prevent silicosis on the job:
- Use blasting cabinets or proper ventilation.
- Use wet methods to cut, chip, or grind materials.
- Swap blasting material that contains silica for other types.
- Use respirators that protect you from inhaling silica.
- Don’t eat or drink near silica dust.
Because silicosis is caused by cumulative or repeated exposure to respirable crystalline silica, it makes sense that we would want to limit exposure as much as possible! OSHA has set the Personal Exposure Limit (PEL) at 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an 8 hour shift.
What are the signs of silicosis?
The main symptoms of silicosis are:
- a persistent cough.
- persistent shortness of breath.
- weakness and tiredness.
How quickly can you get silicosis?
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.
What are the effects of silica dust?
Breathing crystalline silica dust can cause silicosis, which in severe cases can be disabling, or even fatal. When silica dust enters the lungs, it causes the formation of scar tissue, which makes it difficult for the lungs to take in oxygen.
