Silicosis: Why You Need to Know About it and How You Can Prevent it.

 

Do you regularly work around dust and wonder whether the exposure can affect you?

As a hard-working tradesperson, you work with a variety of materials and it’s important that you stay informed about safety hazards. In recent times, there has been an increase is reported cases of Silicosis across Australia and New Zealand. It’s been referred to as the next big lung disease crisis since asbestos.

Therefore, it’s an issue you will want to prevent.

So, what is Silicosis? What are the symptoms? And what can you do about it? Let’s explore the issue.

 

What is Silicosis?

According to Health Direct – Silicosis is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling unsafe levels of silica dust, usually over a period of many years.

There are acute, accelerated, and chronic types of silicosis. Acute types develop after weeks or months of exposure. Accelerated types develop after 3-10 years of exposure and Chronic types may develop after more than 10 years of exposure.

If you’ve been exposed to silica dust for a long period of time, it can cause the following:

  • Shortness of breath, chest pain, cough and tiredness. However, symptoms vary and often there can be none.
  • An increased risk of getting other serious conditions – Health direct has linked silicosis to conditions such as chest infections, TB, emphysema, kidney damage and lung cancer.

Image (BrainKart)

 

Who is at risk?

Anyone who has been regularly exposed to silica dust may be at risk – however people with occupations that involve heavy exposure to dust can often be at a higher risk.

Not everyone will develop silicosis, however risk factors increase with the amount of exposure.

Silica dust is a very common mineral and found in materials common on work sites. These include soil, sand, concentre, masonry, rock, granite and landscaping materials.

 

What you can do to prevent it.

If you're working around silica dust, it's recommended that you wear the appropriate head, face or respiratory protection, limit your time in the high dust areas by taking regular breaks outside and use water where appropriate to dull the effects of silica dust rising in the air.

If you’ve been diagnosed with silicosis, the damage to your lungs unfortunately can’t be reversed. However, doctors can offer treatment plans to make the condition more manageable.

 

How Konnect can help:

  • We offer Personal Protective equipment – our range of PPE is designed to keep you safe, including Respirators and Face Shields to keep your airways clear.
  • Konnect are a major supplier of tool brands that offer specialised dust extraction functions.

Shop Safety and PPE Equipment from leading brands:

 

View our Safety and PPE catalogue online.

 

 

Overview

Is your job site running as efficiently and safely as it could?

It’s time to make health and safety a priority. Make sure that you’re protecting yourself and your team from hazards.

Our consultants are here to help you find the right equipment. Get in touch with us here or call 1300 KONNECT.

 

If you believe you may be suffering from these symptoms, please contact your GP or healthcare practitioner as soon as possible. This article is informational and does not constitute medical advice.

See more info: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/silica