{"id":2791,"date":"2013-02-11T20:14:11","date_gmt":"2013-02-11T20:14:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sentryair.com\/blog\/?p=2791"},"modified":"2020-06-23T16:24:37","modified_gmt":"2020-06-23T16:24:37","slug":"silica-health-risks-go-beyond-the-oilfields","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sentryair.com\/blog\/product-review\/fume-hoods\/powder-containment-hood\/silica-health-risks-go-beyond-the-oilfields\/","title":{"rendered":"Silica health risks go beyond the oilfields"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Silica-laden<\/a>Silica, hydraulic fracking in the news<\/strong><\/p>\n

Crystalline silica in the work place is in the news this month because investigation by public health officials indicates it may be a health hazard for workers involved in hydraulic fracturing [fracking].<\/p>\n

OSHA hopes to issue new silica regulations this spring. [1]<\/p>\n

Silica is found in soils, rocks and many minerals.<\/p>\n

It can present health hazards to workers in many industries because silica dust can be inhaled into the lungs.<\/p>\n

Fracking uses a silica-rich sand, sometimes called \u201cfrac sand\u201d, that can release silica as airborne dust as it is moved and transported around the worksite. [2]<\/p>\n

While hydraulic fracturing is a relatively young occupation, silicosis<\/em>, a lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica, has been acknowledged as a disease since the nineteenth century.<\/p>\n

Silicosis+<\/strong><\/p>\n

Research indicates that the health risks associated with silica don\u2019t stop with silicosis: \u00a0\u201cOccupational crystalline silica dust exposure appears to be a risk factor for several diseases.\u201d [3]<\/p>\n

\"Human<\/a>

photo: CDC<\/p><\/div>\n

Researchers indicated that occupational exposure to crystalline silica increases the risk of lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis and COPD (chronic, obstructive pulmonary disease) as well as kidney and autoimmune disorders. [3]<\/p>\n

Silicosis damages your lungs and makes it hard to breathe, increases your risk of lung infections, and may lead to heart failure. Silica may also cause cancer. [4]<\/p>\n

Silica is a health hazard in many occupations<\/strong><\/p>\n

In addition to fracking, other industry applications that use or release silica include: [5]<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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    \n
  • Metallurgy industry for foundry moulds, iron and steel castings, flux in smelting basic ores<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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    \n
  • Manufacture of fiberglass for electrical insulation, chemical filtration, and reinforcing fabrics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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    \n
  • Released during refining sand for production of quartz<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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    \n
  • Ceramics industry dry clays, glazes, mould ingredients<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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    \n
  • Processing synthetic quartz<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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    \n
  • Manufacture of heat-resistant materials and building products<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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    \n
  • Manufacture of electrical instruments with piezoelectric properties [can acquire electrical charge]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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    \n
  • Manufacture of optical equipment such as prisms and lenses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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    \n
  • Used as paint extender, lining material for vessels used in the chemical industry and in aerospace<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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    \n
  • Released during granite and stone processing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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