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In Canada, inhaled crystalline silica is considered the
third highest industrial carcinogen with respect to the
number of workers exposed. The groups most at risk are
mining, foundry and construction workers.
Silica is a common mineral found in soil, sand and
common rocks such as granite and quartzite. It is
considered inert, insoluble, and indigestible, and is
found in many industrial applications such as concrete,
brick, sand castings and mining etc.
But when these products containing silica require
further engineering applications such as grinding,
sandblasting or crushing, it creates fine particles of
crystalline silica dust. After inhaling these fine
particles (sizes between 5 and 0.5 microns), the
worker’s lung tissues will become inflamed from
particles that remain trapped in the air spaces. Fibrous
tissues surround the silica particles in the lungs
causing scarring, and over a period of 10-15 years,
these workers will start to have difficulties breathing.
Silica exposure can be controlled at many levels.
Engineering methods such as ventilation, personnel
enclosure, process modifications and controlling the
process conditions are favoured. Contractors and
employers must be diligent in training workers about the
hazards of silica exposure and on safe work techniques,
providing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment,
and imposing disciplinary actions when these orders are
violated. Workers have the duty to wear the safety gear
and equipment provided to them; they must follow strict
personal hygiene and be trained in the hazards of
working with silica dust.
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Sources:
www.ohscanada.com
www.wsib.on.ca
www.carexcanada.ca
www.ccohs.ca
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