Crystalline Silica: Everything You Need to Know (2024)

Crystalline silica is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in sand, stone, and quartz. It is used widely across most manufacturing industries, especially those that use naturally occurring minerals to make new materials (like engineered stone).

While it plays a vital role in industries like construction and manufacturing, prolonged exposure to silica dust can have devastating health consequences. That’s why understanding how crystalline silica affects health can be essential for both workers and employers. By taking proactive steps when it comes to prevention, early intervention is possible.

The Health Risks of Crystalline Silica Exposure

When workers cut, grind, or drill materials containing crystalline silica, fine dust particles are released into the air. These particles are so small that when they are inhaled, they travel deep into the lungs. Here, they become trapped, causing inflammation and long-term damage. Over time, exposure to silica dust can lead to serious, even life-threatening, health conditions. Here’s a closer look at some of the most significant risks:

Silicosis: A Debilitating Lung Disease

Silicosis is one of the most common and severe illnesses caused by silica exposure. It develops when inhaled silica dust scars the lungs, leading to stiffened lung tissue that can impair breathing. There are three types of silicosis, each varying in severity and timeline:

• Chronic silicosis. Often appearing after 10 to 30 years of low-level exposure, this form gradually worsens over time.
• Accelerated silicosis. This form occurs within 5 to 10 years of moderate-to-high exposure levels and progresses more rapidly than chronic silicosis.
• Acute Silicosis. This is the most severe form of silicosis. It can develop within months to a few years of intense exposure and often results in fatal complications.

Common symptoms of silicosis include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. Unfortunately, the disease is progressive and irreversible, underscoring the importance of prevention.

Lung Cancer: A Deadly Connection

Prolonged exposure to crystalline silica has been classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This means it can increase the risk of developing lung cancer, especially for individuals who smoke or have additional risk factors. For those working in high-exposure industries, the combination of silica dust and other occupational hazards can significantly compound the risk.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Silica dust exposure can also lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. This group of lung conditions, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, can make it difficult to breathe and drastically reduce quality of life. Workers exposed to silica dust may notice symptoms like wheezing, persistent coughing, and breathlessness, which worsen over time if exposure continues.

Autoimmune Disorders

Another lesser-known consequence of silica exposure is its link to autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and scleroderma. Silica particles can provoke an immune response that leads to these chronic and often debilitating conditions. For those exposed to silica dust, the risk of developing autoimmune diseases is significantly higher compared to the general population.

Tuberculosis and Other Infections

Silicosis weakens the lungs’ natural defenses, making it easier for infections like tuberculosis (TB) to take hold. In fact, individuals with silicosis are several times more likely to develop TB. This is particularly concerning in regions where TB prevalence is high, emphasizing the need for robust health monitoring in workers exposed to silica dust.

How Silica Dust Harms the Body

To understand why crystalline silica exposure is so dangerous, it’s important to look at the process that occurs when silica dust enters the lungs:

1. Inhalation — fine particles of silica dust are inhaled deep into the lungs.
2. Deposition — these tiny particles lodge in the alveoli, the small air sacs where oxygen exchange occurs.
3. Immune response — the body attempts to remove the particles by activating immune cells (macrophages), but silica particles are toxic to these cells.
4. Inflammation and scarring — the destruction of macrophages releases enzymes that cause inflammation and fibrosis, or scarring of lung tissue.

Over time, this scarring reduces lung capacity and impairs breathing, leading to conditions like silicosis, COPD, and even lung cancer.

Protecting Yourself From Crystalline Silica

While crystalline silica poses serious health risks, proactive measures can minimize exposure and its associated dangers. Here’s how workers and employers can protect themselves:

• Workplace safety measures. Employers should implement controls to reduce silica dust, such as using water to suppress dust during cutting, drilling, or grinding, installing ventilation systems to capture and remove silica dust, and regularly assessing air quality to ensure silica dust levels are below permissible exposure limits.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE). Workers should use proper PPE, including NIOSH-approved respirators — these are respirators designed specifically for silica dust and can provide critical protection; protective clothing — wearing disposable or washable clothing can prevent dust from being carried home.
• Education and training. Employers should provide comprehensive training on the hazards of silica dust and how to effectively use protective equipment. Workers must understand the risks and know how to minimize exposure.
• Regular health screenings. Medical surveillance is essential for early detection of silica-related diseases. Workers exposed to silica dust should undergo regular checkups, including chest X-rays and lung function tests, to monitor their respiratory health.

FAQs

Q: Can Crystalline Silica Exposure Occur Outside of Work?

A: Yes. Crystalline silica exposure can occur during activities like DIY renovations or using certain household products. Proper ventilation, dust control, and wearing protective masks can reduce these risks. Another risk to consider is bringing crystalline silica particles home after a day’s work. To mitigate this risk, it is important to decontaminate before interacting with family.

Q: Can Silicosis Symptoms Improve With Time?

A: Silicosis is a progressive disease. This means that symptoms may worsen without intervention. However, removing yourself from silica exposure — and following medical advice — can help slow the disease’s progression and improve your quality of life. There is no cure for silicosis, but you can take the necessary steps to nip it in the bud.

Q: How Does Crystalline Silica Compare to Amorphous Silica?

A: Amorphous silica, which can be found in products containing diatomaceous earth (used in medicines to lower cholesterol and constipation relief), lacks the crystalline structure that makes crystalline silica hazardous. However, inhaling large amounts of fine dust can still irritate the lungs. If you are having trouble breathing after inhaling any dust, it is imperative that you go see a doctor to rule out anything nefarious.

Q: Are There Ways to Make Engineered Stone Safer?

A: Manufacturers are exploring low-silica alternatives — or sealing methods — that could be utilized to reduce dust generation. However, widespread adoption depends on balancing cost and effectiveness. If you are in an industry that uses engineered stone and have been diagnosed with silicosis, an attorney can review the particulars of your case and determine if you might have legal recourse.

Wallace & Graham, P.A. – Skilled Silicosis Law Firm

Protecting workers and reducing exposure to crystalline silica requires a combination of engineering controls, education, and adherence to regulations. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with silicosis and you fear that proper precautions weren’t taken by your employer, Wallace & Graham, P.A., can help. With decades of experience in toxic exposure litigation, our team is dedicated to advocating for victims of silicosis and aggressively fights for the justice — and compensation you deserve.

Don’t delay. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.