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851 Silica Dust Safety in Construction
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Exposure to Silica Dust

Exposure to fine particles of silica while cutting, drilling, and blasting has been shown to cause silicosis, a serious and sometimes fatal lung disease. Construction employees who inhale fine particles of silica may be at risk of developing this disease. The small particles easily become suspended in the air and, when inhaled, penetrate deep into employees' lungs.

Silica Exposure

Although the primary effect of overexposure to silica dust is silicosis, let's not forget employees may also suffer from lung, stomach and other cancers, tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, immune system effects, and kidney effects. The only way to prevent disease is to eliminate exposure to crystalline silica or reduce crystalline silica exposure to safe levels.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

2-1. What serious disease is caused by exposure to fine particles of silica?