FACTS

1. Silica is a mineral found in sand, sandstone, shale, and granite. When workers drill, crush, chip or break materials that contain crystalline silica, large amounts of respirable crystalline silica can form as dust.
2. The dust particles are microscopic, so they can penetrate deep into a worker?s lungs if inhaled, eventually affecting a person?s ability to breathe.
3. When silica dust enters the lungs, it causes inflammation which over time leads to the development of scar tissue.
4. Cigarette smoking adds to the lung damage caused by silicosis. Quitting smoking is an important part of managing the disease.
5. Complications from silicosis can […]

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