Silica is found in sandstone, granite, flint, and slate and other common materials. Silica causes disease when workers breathe in tiny silica particles that are released from rocks and ores. The particles are so small they can only be seen with a microscope. Scar tissue forms in the lungs around the silica particles that are inhaled, making it hard to breathe. Silicosis also increases the risk of other lung diseases, such as tuberculosis, and may lead to heart failure or lung cancer.
Acute silicosis causes death or severe lung damage.
This disease develops rapidly when workers breathe in large amounts of very fine crystalline silica. Do not use silica-containing materials for abrasive blasting. Use other products that contain glass beads, pumice, steel grit, or walnut shells. Determine ahead of time if rocks or earth are likely to contain silica. Keep equipment in good working order.