May 1 2012
Silica Dust: What Are The Hazards
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), silicosis is the most common occupational lung disease worldwide and claims the lives of thousands annually. Occupations that carry health risk include ceramic and glass manufacturing, construction work and quarrying. Workers in these occupations risk high levels of exposure to silica dust from activities such as sandblasting and drilling, which creates large clouds of dust. Safety gear such as a high-filtration dust mask, protective goggles and gloves minimise the risk of silicosis and other occupational illnesses and injuries.
Potter’s Rot Damages Lung Tissue
Silicosis, also known as Potter’s rot, usually develops years after exposure to silica dust. It is characterised by shortness of breath and causes fibrosis of lung tissue. Individuals afflicted with silicosis are at elevated risk of developing lung cancer and the combination of silicosis and tuberculosis worsens prognosis. Silicosis progressively worsens even when there is no further dust exposure, unless some conditions that improve gradually when the cause is eliminated from the environment.
In developing countries where safety gear is either not mandatory or strictly enforced, dust generation is not controlled effectively and the condition still affects many workers in occupations that expose them to silica dust.
How Does a Dust Mask Protect You?
A quality dust mask should meet several criteria, such as comfort and most importantly, the safety factor. Between passive paper masks and motor-powered options that incorporate an innovative breath-responsive technology, the latter is favourable for its comfort and greater efficacy. When it comes to compliance with safety regulations, comfort is an important consideration.
The motor in the dust mask is intended to remove exhaled carbon dioxide for user comfort by creating positive pressure in the mask. This means the safety mask does not have to be fit tightly on your face, making it user-friendly and comfortable.