The Anatomy of Silica Dust Hazards

Crystalline silica (quartz) is a basic component of soil, sand, granite, concrete, and brick. Cutting concrete without dust suppression releases billions of invisible respirable particles into the breathing zone.

Three Stages of Silicosis

  1. Chronic Silicosis: Results from 10–30 years of low-to-moderate RCS exposure. Causes progressive shortness of breath and permanent lung fibrosis.
  2. Accelerated Silicosis: Develops within 5–10 years of high-density RCS exposure, causing severe lung scarring and respiratory failure.
  3. Acute Silicosis: Occurs within weeks or months of extreme RCS exposure. Lungs fill with fluid, causing rapid death.