Silicosis and Silica Exposure: News and Research

Silica is a natural chemical in rock, soil, and dust. It's like asbestos. You can't see or smell it. Silica exposure can cause severe health conditions. These include lung disease, silicosis, and lung cancer.

Silica exposure is almost as dangerous as asbestos exposure. People who work with or near silica dust are at an increased risk of developing life-threatening injuries. Short-term silica exposure can cause ailments like fibrosis, bronchitis, and COPD.

Here, we'll discuss recent research and news about silica exposure.

Sources of Silica Exposure

Most people who suffer from silicosis encounter silica dust at work. According to the Department of Labor, more than 2.3 million people come into contact with silica dust at work.

People who work in high-risk industries are much more likely to develop silica-related illnesses. One of the high-risk occupations is construction workers.

A lot of building materials contain respirable crystalline silica. For example, workers installing stone countertops may breathe silica dust into their lungs and become gravely ill. Engineered stone has silica dust.

The same is true for artificial stone and natural stone. If you breathe in the dust from these materials, you may develop the following:

• Black lung disease
• Kidney disease
• Other health hazards

Other occupations that put you at risk of silica exposure include:

• Quarrying
• Sandblasting
• Coal mining
• Dental product manufacturing
• Foundry work

The law says companies who hire these workers must provide their employees with personal protective equipment (PPE). Respiratory protection like PPE is critical to prevent worker exposure, even for small levels of silica dust.

Since occupational exposure to silica dust is so dangerous, companies must follow the standards set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Silica is a carcinogen. Employers must abide by OSHA's silica standards and permissible exposure limits. You can file a worker's compensation claim if you become sick at work.

Silica in Foods and Beverages

Most people who develop silicosis encounter the element at work. But, some foods contain silica as well. Also, some companies use silica as an anti-clumping agent. You can find it in many pre-packaged foods, such as rice and cereal.

Foods that contain silica include the following:

• Bananas
• Green beans
• Leafy greens
• Brown rice
• Cereal
• Lentils
• Beer

In low levels, silica isn't very dangerous. You still want to be careful about how much silica you ingest. You must keep these foods away from young children.

Health Risks of Silica Dust Exposure

Silica exposure can cause a litany of health issues. Silicosis is only one of the adverse health consequences of silica exposure.

Other injuries you may suffer from breathing in silica dust include:

• Pneumoconiosis
• Progressive massive fibrosis
• Lung disease
• Accelerated silicosis

If you suspect silica dust exposure, contact your healthcare provider. They can run the necessary tests, including a chest x-ray. They can also check for silica in your lungs.

Some people don't become sick until after years of exposure. Others can develop respiratory illnesses in a matter of weeks. You must take preventive measures while working with or near silica dust.

June 2023: Silica Exposure Proposal by Mine Safety and Health Administration

On June 30, 2023, the Department of Labor announced a proposed rule by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The MSHA proposed a rule to protect mine workers from silica exposure. Miners don't have the same protections as workers in other industries.

This new MSHA proposal will ensure employers protect these workers from silica dust exposure. Given the number of cases of silicosis, this makes sense. It will help protect workers and the public health from silica-related respiratory illnesses.

September 2023: OSHA Initiative to Enhance Enforcement of Silica Regulations

On Sept. 25, 2023, OSHA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health announced a new initiative. It targets the enforcement of silica standards and regulations. It also calls for an increase in silica standard compliance.

OSHA and the National Institute identify silica exposure as a public and environmental health hazard. The fear is that too many companies are non-compliant with OSHA standards. More extraordinary efforts are necessary to enforce compliance.

What To Do if You Develop Silicosis or Respiratory Illness From Silica Exposure

If you develop silicosis or need a lung transplant due to silica exposure, contact a personal injury lawyer. You have rights. If you come into contact with silica dust at work, you can file a worker's compensation claim. If you experienced silica dust exposure some other way, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit.

The best thing to do is speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. They'll review your claim and let you know your legal options. Make sure you meet with a lawyer who has experience with silicosis cases. It takes specific knowledge to handle these claims. You want to optimize your chances of recovering damages.