Crystalline silica has been classified as a human lung carcinogen, and can cause serious lung disease and lung cancer. One of the dangerous effects of silica exposure is a disease called silicosis, which can be contracted after just a few months of high exposure.

silicon dioxide SiO2

For example oxygen is “O”, and gold is “Au”. The chemical formula of the mineral Hematite is Fe2O3. The letters describe the element type (Fe = iron, O = oxygen), and the subscripted numbers describe the amount of those atoms in each molecule. A Hematite molecule has 2 iron (Fe) atoms and 3 oxygen (O) atoms.

SiO2

Silicon dioxide is an acidic oxide. It will react with strong bases to form silicate salts.

Breathing in very small (“respirable”) crystalline silica particles, causes multiple diseases, including silicosis, an incurable lung disease that leads to disability and death. Respirable crystalline silica also causes lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease.

Symptoms of silicosis usually appear after many years of exposure. In early stages, symptoms are mild and include cough, sputum and progressive shortness of breath. As the scarring continues to worsen, the first real signs of a problem may be an abnormal chest X-ray and a slowly developing cough.

Asbestos, like crystalline silica, is deemed safe if left undisturbed. However, asbestos instantly becomes hazardous once damaged. Even a crack or rupture will caused asbestos particles to become airborne. Crystalline silica is also easily damaged, but the dust only becomes harmful if inhaled in large quantities.

Because of its small particle size, it can stay in the air for up to 12 days.

The cement dust or constituents of cement causes pathogenesis of various lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, asthma, lung cancer, pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Silica doesn’t promote hair growth, but it does strengthen hair and prevent thinning. It does this by delivering essential nutrients to your hair follicles. As a bonus, it can also benefit your skin and nails.

Can Silicosis Be Prevented?

1. Use blasting cabinets or proper ventilation.
2. Use wet methods to cut, chip, or grind materials.
3. Swap blasting material that contains silica for other types.
4. Use respirators that protect you from inhaling silica.
5. Don’t eat or drink near silica dust.
6. Wash your hands and face before you eat.

There are 3 types of silicosis: acute, chronic, and accelerated. Silicosis occurs in people who work in mines, foundries, sandblasting, and glass manufacturing. About 2 million US workers are potentially exposed to silica at work.

Who is at risk for silicosis? Factory, mine, and masonry workers are at the greatest risk for silicosis because they deal with silica in their work. People who work in the following industries are at greatest risk: asphalt manufacturing.

Silicosis IS NOT CURABLE, but it IS PREVENTABLE—to live a long and healthy life, learn the facts and know how to protect yourself and your family.

Very fine silica particles can be breathed deep into the lungs and cause damage, as shown in Figure 1. These fine silica particles are called respirable crystalline silica. Our lungs have ways to remove some of the dust we breathe in, such as coughing or bringing up phlegm.

Some studies have shown that there is a higher prevalence of experiencing depression or anxiety symptoms in those with Silicosis. However, it is well established that routine exercise can significantly benefit mental illness management, improving psychological wellbeing through positive neurochemical changes.

Sarcoidosis is a rare disease caused by inflammation. It usually occurs in the lungs and lymph nodes, but it can occur in almost any organ. Sarcoidosis in the lungs is called pulmonary sarcoidosis. It causes small lumps of inflammatory cells in the lungs.

For a small number of people, sarcoidosis is a chronic condition. In some people, the disease may result in the deterioration of the affected organ. Rarely, sarcoidosis can be fatal. Death usually is the result of complications with the lungs, heart, or brain.

Corticosteroids are the primary treatment for sarcoidosis. Treatment with corticosteroids relieves symptoms in most people within a few months. The most commonly used corticosteroids are prednisone and prednisolone. People with sarcoidosis may need to take corticosteroids for many months.

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease in which granulomas, or clumps of inflammatory cells, form in various organs. This causes organ inflammation. Sarcoidosis may be triggered by your body’s immune system responding to foreign substances, such as viruses, bacteria, or chemicals.

If you have sarcoidosis, the increased inflammation in your body may cause flu-like symptoms, such as night sweats, joint pain, and fatigue. This inflammation can lead to scar tissue in your lungs, while also reducing lung function. Many people with sarcoidosis also have skin and eye damage in addition to lung disease.

Even though sarcoidosis isn’t cited in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) “Blue Book” as a disability, it’s still possible to receive disability benefits for this condition.