Employees who work in the silica industry may be at a higher risk for silicosis, which is a fibronodular lung condition caused through the inhalation of silica fibers. Macrophages are destroyed by silica dust. Individuals that are at risk to silicosis including raw materials handlers, furnace installers and repairers, refractory workers, foundry workers, miners, sandblasters and casting workers.
Most cases of silicosis do take years to develop. Severe cases may result in the need for lung transplants, increased risk of lung cancer or other lung disease or death.
There is no cure for silicosis. The best way to prevent silicosis through workplace safety in high-risk industries.
It is when companies fail to follow these precautions that cases of silicosis develop in their workers. In some cases, workers who developed silicosis due to occupational exposure may have died.
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