slilica in brick

[Bandrasco]

I've been in the tile & stone industry for decades. I first learned about this in the early 90's and have spread the warning every chance I've had.

Silicosis of the lung is similar to 'black lung' that coal miners suffered from. In this case particles of silica enter the lungs, stick to the lining, and then scar tissue forms around them. This slowly depletes the lungs ability to absorb O2. Over time; sometimes 15-20 years your lung capacity is drastically reduced and the scar tissue is prone to cancer. I'm not a Dr. but I've attended many seminars given by one.

Silicosis can come from ANY airborne particulate containing silica. Dust from brick, block, stone/granite slabs, manufactured stone, tile, mortar, cement, and a few other similarly based items will expose you to dangerous levels if the proper PPE are not used. This is a real hazard and should be taken seriously. It's called the slow-silent killer. It's not a chemical reaction, infection, and cannot be absorbed by contact or ingestion; it's an airborne particle that simply plugs the cells that allow you to breathe.

Hopefully this has you as freaked out as I was when first learned but it's no different than working with other dangerous item like electricity for instance. Take the steps to make sure you don't touch live wires and you're perfectly safe. Don't take the necessary precautions like turning the breakers off? Now you have a very serious hazard.

Be safe fellow WFO builders!