Safety
What is silicosis?
• Silicosis is a disabling, nonreversible and
sometimes fatal lung disease caused by overexposure to respirable crystalline silica. Overexposure to dust that contains microscopic particles of crystalline silica can cause scar tissue to form in the lungs, which reduces the lungs’ ability to extract oxygen from the air we breathe. Typical sand found at the beach does not pose a silicosis threat. However, the SAND USED IN FOUNDRY PROCESSES POSES A SERIOUS THREAT.
• Each year, more than 250 American workers
die with silicosis. THERE IS NO CURE for the disease, but it is 100 percent preventable if appropriate precautions are followed to limit exposure.
• In addition to silicosis, inhalation of crystalline
silica particles has been associated with other
diseases, such as bronchitis and tuberculosis.
Some studies also indicate an association with
lung cancer.