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News Update 
What Are the Health Risks of Exposure to Silica Dust?
If the proper controls aren’t in place, exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) can cause serious, life-changing health conditions. Silica dust is generated during activities such as cutting, drilling, grinding or polishing materials like concrete, brick, stone and mortar. The smallest particles are invisible to the naked eye and can penetrate deep into the lungs.
The main health risks include:
- Silicosis – an irreversible lung disease caused by scarring of the lungs. Symptoms include breathlessness, coughing and reduced lung function. In severe cases, it can be disabling or fatal.
- Lung cancer – prolonged exposure to silica dust increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, leading to persistent breathlessness and reduced quality of life.
- Other health effects – workers with silica-related lung damage may also be at increased risk of tuberculosis, kidney disease and certain autoimmune conditions.
One of the biggest concerns is that these diseases often develop slowly over many years, meaning workers may not realise damage is occurring until it becomes significant and irreversible
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