Silica-related Diseases

Silicosis is a lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of crystalline silica. Patients with silicosis have an increased risk of other diseases, such as tuberculosis, lung cancer, and chronic bronchitis.

Silicosis in all its forms is incurable and can be fatal. Therefore, eliminating, reducing, or controlling occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica is critical to prevention of the disease.

It is important to reiterate that there is potential for danger when crystalline silica particles are in the air. Working with silica-containing materials is safe, unless silica dust is generated and inhaled. However, there may be silica particles in the air even though you do not see any dust.

To learn more about Silica Safety visit our General & Maritime Silica Safety Online Training web page.