Go To Top 3. Breathing dust may cause nose, throat or lung irritation and choking. The described effect depends on the degree of exposure. Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause lung injury including silicosis. Crystalline silica has been classified by IARC as a known human carcinogen.
Some human studies indicate potential for lung cancer from crystalline silica exposure.
Risk of injury depends on duration and level of exposure. Long term exposures which result in silicosis may result in additional health effects. May produce allergic reaction potentially associated with hexavalent chromium. Ingestion of large amounts may cause intestinal distress. Go To Top 4.