May 3 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. Activities common to these occcupations include sandblasting and drilling, which creates large amounts of dust that put unprotected workers at risk. 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. Symptoms include shortness of breath and causes scarring of lung tissue. Silicosis sufferers are at greater risk of developing lung cancer and the combination of silicosis and tuberculosis significantly increases the mortality rate. Unlike some conditions that improve when the cause is removed from the environment, silicosis progressively worsens even when there is no further exposure to silica dust.
In developing nations where protective gear is either not stringently enforced or compulsory, 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. Comfort is an important consideration when it comes to compliance with safety regulations.
The motor in the dust mask is designed to draw out 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.