Everything You Need To Know About Silica Exposure

 

Workings working in a toxic environment.

According to CAREX Canada, nearly 429,000 Canadian employees are exposed to silica at work. When combined with the total number of cancer cases in the area, this is a very concerning figure. Read on to learn more about the material and its dangers:

What Is Silica?

Silica is a common material in both igneous and sedimentary rocks. Sand, sandstone, clay, quartz, granite, stone and rock aggregates, shale, and slate are all rich sources of silica. As a result, it has wide usage in various fields, from manufacturing to construction.

According to a company that provides workplace safety courses in BC, many individuals are unaware of the dangers they frequently find themselves in. However, if you or a family member is involved in the construction or mining industry, here are some things you should be aware of.

One of The Most Dangerous Substances to Be Exposed To

Silica dust is the third most dangerous substance that construction workers are exposed to on the job. In addition, construction workers are often exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) since it is a component of many building materials. Crystalline silica becomes airborne during the cutting or sanding of these materials, resulting in lethal respirable crystalline silica.

Many workplace hazards go unrecognized, making it all the more important for employees to participate in a health safety program.

Silica is Potentially Lethal

Acute silicosis, accompanied by rapid death, can result from either chronic daily exposure to RCS or excessive exposure to RCS all at once. Inhaling it progressively poisons the lungs. Chronic silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease have all been related to prolonged exposure to crystalline silica.

Occupations That Put You at Risk of Silica Exposure

The phrase "construction workers" refers to a wide range of specialists contributing to a construction project. All of them are subjected to varying levels of silica dust exposure. There is a similar danger for the loaders and engineers overseeing the procedure. Furthermore, workers in the mining and manufacturing industries are also at risk of exposure to silica.

Given the inherent dangers of such occupations, all employees must receive first aid training in the workplace and complete safety training courses.

An underground coal mine with no light or air circulation.

The Bottom Line

In the end, you are your saviour. The materials you use are out of your control, but you may take precautions to reduce your risk. Improve your procedures and equipment to aid in this process, and always use safety gear when performing any labour. While a disposable mask would suffice in most situations, higher levels of protection should be used in more hazardous environments.

Sign up for Metro Safety's Asbestos/Lead/Silica Awareness course if you're concerned about silica exposure; it's the second greatest danger after asbestos.

If you're also interested in emergency first aid training in BC, or other courses in workplace safety training courses, Metro Safety can provide those too.

Get in touch with them today for more information.

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