According to a new Science Blog post from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, new national data show that silicosis continues to cause or contribute to the deaths of about 100 Americans each year. Keep reading to learn more about this important workplace safety issue.
Silicosis is a potentially fatal but preventable occupational lung disease caused by inhaling respirable particles containing crystalline silicon dioxide (silica). Quartz, a type of crystalline silica, is the second most abundant mineral in the earth’s crust, and workers across a wide range of occupations and industries are exposed to silica-containing dusts. The risks, causes, and prevention of this avoidable disease have been known for decades. There is no cure for silicosis and only symptomatic treatment is available, including lung transplantation for the most severe cases.