Which occupations are most at risk for silica exposure and related diseases like silicosis?

From the Guidelines

Workers in construction, mining, manufacturing, and sandblasting are most at risk for silica exposure and silicosis, with occupations such as miners, quarry workers, stonecutters, sandblasters, foundry workers, ceramic and pottery workers, construction workers, and glass manufacturing workers being at the highest risk. These jobs involve breaking, crushing, drilling, or grinding materials containing crystalline silica, which releases respirable silica dust particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring of lung tissue that leads to silicosis, a progressive and irreversible lung disease 1. According to the American College of Chest Physicians evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, lung cancer is causally associated with many workplace exposures, including silica dust, with a meta-analysis associating silicosis with a 2.4-fold increase in lung cancer mortality 1.

Some key occupations at risk include:

• Miners
• Quarry workers
• Stonecutters
• Sandblasters
• Foundry workers
• Ceramic and pottery workers
• Construction workers, especially those drilling, cutting, or grinding concrete, stone, or brick
• Glass manufacturing workers

Prevention is critical through proper engineering controls like wet methods and ventilation, respiratory protection with appropriate respirators, regular medical monitoring, and worker education about silica hazards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established permissible exposure limits for silica to protect workers, but vigilance in high-risk industries remains essential. Workers may also develop other silica-related conditions, including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney disease, and increased susceptibility to tuberculosis 1.

From the Research

Occupations at Risk of Silica Exposure

The following occupations are most at risk for silica exposure and related diseases like silicosis:

• Industrial processing workers, particularly those in the manufacturing of non-metallic mineral products and metal production 2
• Mining and quarrying workers 2
• Conservation of monuments workers 2
• Construction workers 2
• Engineered stone fabrication workers, including those performing cutting, shaping, and polishing tasks 3
• Artificial stone workers, especially those installing kitchen worktops at consumers' homes without using face-masks or personal protective equipment (PPE) 4

Sectors with High Silica Exposure

Certain sectors have been identified as having high silica exposure levels, including:

• Manufacturing of non-metallic mineral products 2
• Metal production 2
• Mining and quarrying 2
• Engineered stone fabrication 3, 5
• Artificial stone sector 4

Factors Contributing to Silica Exposure

Several factors contribute to silica exposure, including:

• Inadequate dust exposure controls, such as ineffective ventilation and inappropriate respiratory protection 3
• Lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) or failure to use it properly 4
• High concentrations of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in the workplace 2, 3, 5