Why Silica Dust is more than annoyance?

?People often just get irritated, disgusted and annoyed just by the sight of it. Imagine you working in one of them. Feeling dizzy already? Just by thinking about the sound and pollution out there? Just think about the people who are staying in one of these site daily. Hearing those “grhhhhhhh-grhhhh” sound every moment for almost the whole day. Talking about it, study says that people working in construction sites are exposed to diseases like silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other skin problems.

In this blog we will be talking about Silicosis, which is caused due to over exposure to silica dust. We will also be knowing what is silica dust and how can the exposure to it can be limited. Let’s get started!

What is Silicosis?

Silicosis disease caused by excessive inhaling of silica dust from sand and concrete. It leads to inflammation in lungs which again leads to shortness of breath, cough and at times even some disabilities. At times it also leads to lung cancer caused by silicia dust. Silicosis treatment is also possible. One is advised to visit doctors as soon as any symptoms are noticed.

What is Silica?

Silicia is naturally occurring compound. It is made up of silicon and oxygen(SiO2).It can be found in the form of sand, quartz and gemstones. Silica is also used to manufacture glass, concrete, ceramics and electronics.

Silicia Dust

Silicia dust are the fine particles composed of tiny crystals of silicon dioxide. It arises due to the breakdown of materials that contains silica. They are usually generated due to stone cutting, drilling into the concrete, breaking down of concrete or brick structures and many more. Crystalline Silica is more harmful.

How are Silicia Dust harmful?

Continuous exposure and inhaling a large of silica dust is very hazardous. It is more harmful for the people who are working in sandblasting, stone cutting and construction. It causes musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory problems and skin issues. Continuous contact with such dust and chemicals leads to skin rashes, inflammation and dryness. It also causes silicosis as we have already discussed above.

?How can we reduce the exposure?

Talking precisely about the engineering methods. One can try the following methods:

• Wearing suitable workwear such as respirators
• One can use the water suppression techniques before working with them to reduce the generation of dust.
• Consulting a doctor about the risk of you being exposed to silicia.
• Implementing Local Exhaust Ventilation(LEV) can help in capturing the dust before it spreads into the air.
• Regular cleaning of the work areas and also the use of HEPA vacuums and wet methods can minimize dust accumulation.
• Safety glasses or goggles can be used to shield eyes from dust particles.

Implementing some of the measures into your daily life maybe in combinations or as a single approach can be effective in minimizing the silica dust exposure for the construction workers. Also you are always advised to consult a qualified professional for the safety guidance to your specific work environment and regulations.