Silica dust – The silent killer

Silica dust is a harmful but overlooked hazard in the construction industry. Silica is found in stone, rock, sand and gravel, for example and this results it being found in the following building materials among others:

  • Tiles
  • Brickwork
  • Concrete
  • Stone masonry

Exposure to silica dust in the lungs can lead to lung cancer, among many other consequences, with studies attributing silica inhalation to hundreds of cases every year in the UK. https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/cancer-and-construction/silica-dust.htm

Health risks caused by silica

Silicosis

Silicosis is an incurable lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to silica dust. It develops over time as inhaled silica particles cause lung tissue to scar, leading to:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chronic coughing
  • Fatigue
  • Increased risk of lung infections

In severe cases, silicosis can be fatal, and there is no cure—only symptom management.

Lung Cancer

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) classify crystalline silica as a group 1 carcinogen, meaning it is known to cause lung cancer. Long-term exposure significantly increases the risk, particularly for smokers.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Silica dust can contribute to COPD, a group of lung diseases that cause breathing difficulties. This includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, leading to long-term lung damage and reduced lung function.

How to control risks presented by silica

Employers and workers must take preventive measures to reduce silica exposure. Key safety practices include:

  • Use of Water Suppression: Applying water to cutting, grinding, or drilling surfaces reduces dust emissions by keeping silica particles from becoming airborne.
  • Proper Ventilation and Extraction Systems: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems should be installed to capture and remove airborne dust before it spreads.
  • Use of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE): Workers should wear properly fitted masks or respirators with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to prevent inhaling silica dust.
  • Limiting Exposure Time: Reducing the time workers spend on high-risk tasks and rotating duties can help lower overall exposure.
  • Regular Health Monitoring: Employers should conduct routine health screenings to detect early signs of lung disease in workers who are regularly exposed to silica dust.
  • Training and Awareness: Workers should be educated on silica dust hazards, proper safety measures, and how to use control equipment effectively.

Regulations on Silica Dust

In the UK, The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 mandate employers to assess and control silica dust exposure. The HSE has set a workplace exposure limit (WEL) of 0.1 mg/m³ of respirable crystalline silica averaged over 8 hours.

Employers are legally required to:

  • Conduct risk assessments
  • Implement appropriate dust control measures
  • Provide training and health surveillance for workers

Ensuring compliance with legislation

Silica dust is a serious occupational hazard that can cause life-threatening illnesses if not properly managed. With appropriate safety measures, such as dust suppression, protective equipment, and regular monitoring, workers can significantly reduce their risk of exposure. Ensuring compliance with HSE regulations is not only a legal obligation but also a crucial step in safeguarding worker health and well-being in the construction industry.