Silica and Silicosis
http://safetysolutionsatwork.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/silica-lung1.jpg
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://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
Healthy Lungs
Severe Silicosis
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