Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2019 9:02:34 GMT -8
They're similar in how the body responds to the dust.
The lungs have a defense mechanism that surrounds dust particles and helps break them down. Wood dust, and other common dusts are handled this way. For silica in particular, that system cannot dissolve it, and eventually the silica ends up in the lung lining. For someone who has long term exposure to silica, it will stiffen the lung to the point that it won't flex properly, which leaves the victim gasping for air. We watched an interview with a specialist that did an autopsy on a worker that died from Silicosis, and he could take his scalpel and point out where the worker's lung had solidified from the Silica. He'd take the scalpel and 'tick-tick-tick' tap it on the solidified surface. He was a brick mason, used a power saw with no dust control for years.
That was an eye opener for me!
I now make the guys use a combination of PPE (mask or respirator) and vacuum extraction or water to control the dust. They think it's stupid until I send them to the OSHA web site to watch the videos or other presentation.
The snide joke is "Silica is the new Asbestos", and it may be true in a sense, but it does cause real damage!
Homeowners that want to take precautions need not spend huge amounts of money on protection, a fitted respirator and a shop vac (you can also get attachments for the tools used to attach to the vac) will be a big help. As will a tyvek suit that can keep clothing from being contaminated. Proper cleanup afterward is also essential so that dust is not stirred up into the air. I should add that OSHA requires a HEPA vac, but not a lot of homeowners will invest in one of those.
Here's a kicker though - drywall dust is included!
The lungs have a defense mechanism that surrounds dust particles and helps break them down. Wood dust, and other common dusts are handled this way. For silica in particular, that system cannot dissolve it, and eventually the silica ends up in the lung lining. For someone who has long term exposure to silica, it will stiffen the lung to the point that it won't flex properly, which leaves the victim gasping for air. We watched an interview with a specialist that did an autopsy on a worker that died from Silicosis, and he could take his scalpel and point out where the worker's lung had solidified from the Silica. He'd take the scalpel and 'tick-tick-tick' tap it on the solidified surface. He was a brick mason, used a power saw with no dust control for years.
That was an eye opener for me!
I now make the guys use a combination of PPE (mask or respirator) and vacuum extraction or water to control the dust. They think it's stupid until I send them to the OSHA web site to watch the videos or other presentation.
The snide joke is "Silica is the new Asbestos", and it may be true in a sense, but it does cause real damage!
Homeowners that want to take precautions need not spend huge amounts of money on protection, a fitted respirator and a shop vac (you can also get attachments for the tools used to attach to the vac) will be a big help. As will a tyvek suit that can keep clothing from being contaminated. Proper cleanup afterward is also essential so that dust is not stirred up into the air. I should add that OSHA requires a HEPA vac, but not a lot of homeowners will invest in one of those.
Here's a kicker though - drywall dust is included!