Silica and Silicosis http://safetysolutionsatwork

What is Silicosis? Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis a factitious word alleged to mean 'a lung disease caused by the inhalation of very fine silica dust, causing inflammation in the lungs Presence of silica dust in the lungs causes scar tissue to form and build up over time Not apparent until 20+ years after exposure to silica http://www.uic.edu/sph/glakes/harts1/HARTS_library/silica.txt

Signs/Symptoms of Silicosis Early stages: scarring can be seen on x-ray Frequent coughing/wheezing Shortness of breath Tiredness End stages: Respiratory failure Heart failure Pneumonia http://m.timeslive.co.za/local/?articleId=6740645 http://www.uic.edu/sph/glakes/harts1/HARTS_library/silica.txt

Chronic/Accelerated/Acute chronic silicosis: the most common Long-term exposure (10-20 years or longer) Present as a disease entity in lungs 5-10 years before symptoms lead to diagnosis accelerated silicosis Rapidly progressive symptoms after 5-10 years of exposure acute silicosis Occurs after exposure to high concentrations of silica dust Symptoms show within weeks to months of exposure http://www.beltina.org/health-dictionary/silicosis-lung-disease-symptoms-treatment.html

Medical Treatment NONE End result of silicosis is death Those with silicosis are also more susceptible to: Tuberculosis Lung cancer Heart attacks Connective tissue diseases http://www.uic.edu/sph/glakes/harts1/HARTS_library/silica.txt

Silicosis Severe Silicosis Healthy Lungs

How to Protect Yourself Be cautious when getting powder silica gel Keep the silica in the hood Avoid taking deep breaths while dispensing Wear a protective dust mask if possible Try not to agitate the powder during dispensing

Other Options for Dispensing? Dr. Arambula talked to EHS and Fisher Scientific about finding a way to safely dispense the powder Large gravity dispenser might keep the level of silica particles in the air to a minimum