What Happens When You Inhale Silica Dust? | Lung Cancer Awareness Month

What are the dangers of inhaling silica dust?

Silica dust may be invisible to the naked eye, but its effects on health can be devastating. 

This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the dangers of inhaling silica dust. We’ll be exploring how this silent hazard significantly increases the likelihood of developing lung cancer, particularly among those working in the construction industry:

What is Silica Dust?

Silica is a natural substance found in materials commonly used on construction sites, including sand, stone, rock, concrete, and brick. 

The dust generated from activities such as cutting, grinding, drilling, or breaking these materials contains tiny particles of Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS). 

At over 100 times smaller than a grain of sand, silica dust is easily inhaled without workers even realising it, lodging deep into the lungs.

While silica dust may seem like an unavoidable by-product of construction work, its harmful effects are anything but inevitable. 

With proper safety measures and an understanding of the risks, the health impacts of exposure can be significantly reduced.

What Are the Health Risks When You Inhale Silica Dust?

Inhaling silica dust poses a serious health risk, with prolonged or high-level exposure leading to a range of potentially fatal diseases.

According to HSE, an estimated 230 people develop lung cancer each year as a result of past exposure to silica dust at work. 

While not all exposed workers will develop cancer, the risk increases with long-term or repeated high-level exposure.

Some of the dangers of inhaling silica dust, including lung cancer, are:

1. Lung Cancer: Silica dust is classified as a Group 1 human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It is estimated that around 230 people in the UK develop lung cancer each year due to past exposure to silica dust in the workplace. While not all workers exposed to silica dust will develop cancer, the risk increases significantly with long-term or repeated exposure.

2. Silicosis: This irreversible lung disease results from the scarring and stiffening of lung tissue after prolonged exposure to silica dust. It leads to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and a persistent cough. Silicosis is particularly insidious as it can take years or even decades to develop, long after the initial exposure to silica dust has ended.

3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD, which includes conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, can also be caused by inhaling silica dust. This progressive disease limits airflow in the lungs, making it increasingly difficult for sufferers to breathe. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), exposure to silica dust can worsen the symptoms of COPD, leading to further reductions in lung function.

4. Kidney Disease: Studies have linked silica dust exposure with an increased risk of kidney disease. While this connection is less well-known than the link to lung conditions, it underscores the systemic impact of inhaling silica dust on the body.

The Construction Industry: A High-Risk Environment

The construction industry is one of the most dangerous sectors when it comes to exposure to silica dust. 

Many tasks, from bricklaying to demolition work, can create large amounts of RCS. The HSE estimates that silica dust contributes to hundreds of deaths every year in the UK, with 500 silica-related fatalities attributed to lung cancer alone​.

Because construction work often takes place in outdoor environments, some workers mistakenly believe they are at lower risk. 

However, the truth is that inhaling silica dust poses a danger whether indoors or outside, particularly when windy conditions or poor ventilation exacerbate the problem by allowing dust to remain airborne for long periods.

Can You Reduce the Risks of Your Employees Inhaling Silica Dust?

Preventing workers from inhaling silica dust is critical to reducing the risk of serious diseases.

 There are several steps that employers and employees can take to protect against silica exposure:

1. Use of Dust Extraction Systems: One of the most effective ways to control silica dust is to use dust extraction systems. Our advanced dust extraction solutions, such as their mobile vacuum units, help capture dust at the source. These high-performance systems contain the dust before it becomes airborne, ensuring that workers aren’t exposed to harmful particles​​.

2. Wet Cutting Methods: Another way to reduce dust generation is by using wet cutting methods. Water suppression techniques dampen the material being worked on, reducing the amount of dust released into the air. This simple change can significantly lower the concentration of airborne RCS on construction sites.

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Respiratory protective equipment, such as face masks and respirators, is essential for workers who are at risk of inhaling silica dust. Employers must ensure that the PPE provided is appropriate for the task and that workers are properly trained on its use.

4. Health Monitoring: Regular health checks can help identify the early signs of silica-related diseases before they become severe. Monitoring lung function and conducting routine medical assessments allow for early intervention, which can slow the progression of conditions like silicosis and COPD.

5. Training and Awareness: Awareness campaigns, such as those led by the HSE and the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), are essential for educating workers about the dangers of silica dust. Understanding the risks helps workers take the necessary precautions to protect themselves, whether through proper use of equipment or following safety protocols​.

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

As we mark Lung Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important to recognise that the threat of lung cancer caused by silica dust is preventable. 

By implementing proper dust control measures, ensuring the availability of PPE, and providing adequate training and education, the construction industry can protect its workforce from this invisible killer.

With greater awareness and proactive measures, we can significantly reduce the number of workers who suffer from the devastating effects of silica dust exposure.

To find out more about how our dust extraction solutions can protect your workforce, please contact a member of our team. 
Alternatively, why not read our previous blog to learn more about composite dust extraction in carbon fibre manufacturing?