How crystalline silica can be harmful
When materials containing crystalline silica are processed – such as cut, drilled, ground or polished – very fine particles of crystalline silica dust are released. This dust is known as respirable crystalline silica, or RCS.
If inhaled, RCS can cause serious health issues depending how much dust a worker breathes in and for how long. In its solid form, crystalline silica is not harmful.
Exposure to RCS can cause:
- silicosis – scarring of the lung that can result in a severe shortness of breath and is not reversible (severe cases can be terminal or require a lung transplant)
- lung cancer
- kidney disease
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Workers can access subsidised health monitoring via icare's lung screening service.
Visit Lung Foundation Australia to learn more about protecting your lungs at work.
Use safety controls to help eliminate the risk of exposure to RCS. Learn more about working safely with crystalline silica and engineered stone.