Safety Talk

Common rock dust is dangerous, if it contains the crystalline form of silica. Silica is Earth’s second most common mineral, abundant in sand and rocks. Silica causes lungs to scar and develop nodules which block extraction of oxygen from air. Each year more than 250 American workers die from silicosis, the disease caused by inhaling tiny silica particles. Silicosis has been linked to other lung conditions including bronchitis and tuberculosis. Silica dust in your lungs may overwhelm your defenses against infections. Symptoms of silicosis are :

• Severe cough
• Shortness of breath after exercise
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Fever
• Weight […]

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