Undue breathlessness, wheezing, cough, and sputum production. May dehydrate mucous membrane. Crystalline silica can cause silicosis, a progressive and frequently incapacitation pneumoconiosis evident on x-ray and in pulmonary function testing, as well as in subjective respiratory complaints. Also lung scarring produced by such inhalation may lead to a progressive massive fibrosis of the lung which may aggravate other pulmonary conditions and diseases and which increases susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis. Progressive massive fibrosis may be accompanied by right heart enlargement, heart failure, and pulmonary failure.
Smoking aggravates the effects of exposure.
Wash dust from skin thoroughly with soap and water. While holding eyelids open, flush with plenty of water for 15 minutes. Use extinguishing media appropriate to the surrounding area. If material is not contaminated, place into clean containers for use. If contaminated, place into containers for disposal.