A persistent cough, shortness of breath, and extreme tiredness.
Dubbed the ‘new asbestos’, silicosis is rapidly becoming one of the leading silent killers of construction workers across the U.K. Each year, [1]500 workers die from the disease, with a further 4,000 deaths resulting from silica-related illnesses such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
However, silica dust health monitoring is under-reported in the industry, with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimating that a staggering 13,000[2] deaths each year in the U.K. are likely linked to past exposure to dust and chemicals at work. Concerningly, these figures could be higher.
What is Silicosis?
Silicosis is caused by the inhalation of tiny particles that contain crystalline silica, or Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS). These chemicals are released from materials such as concrete, stone, tiles, brick, and sand when they are cut, drilled, or disturbed, a common occurrence in daily construction tasks.
Natural materials like sandstone contain approximately [3]70% silica, whereas granite may contain a percentage between 15% and 30%.
These chemicals, once disturbed, generate a fine dust (known as RCS) that is very difficult to see with normal lighting and makes it dangerously easy to inhale for those within the vicinity.
What Happens when Silica Dust is Inhaled?
Once inhaled, the tiny crystals enter the lungs' air sacs, where, over time, they embed into the walls of the lungs. Initially, this causes hazardous inflammation to the lungs, which will, overtime, leave areas of hardened and scarred tissue along the lung surface. This is known as fibrosis. Once scarred, the lung does not function properly.
One of the reasons silica dust exposure is so threatening is that fibrosis can take place months, even years, after an individual is exposed to silica dust. Silicosis usually develops 10-20 years after an individual has been exposed, sometimes taking 5-10 years. This is all dependent on the amount of exposure a person has had, with some rare occasions, individuals developing the disease after only a few months of heavy exposure.
What other health concerns can RCA cause?
Respirable Crystalline Silica (also known as RCS, is tiny particles that contain crystalline silica, which, when inhaled, can cause silicosis) can also be responsible for the development of other lung diseases other than silicosis.[4]
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - This lung disease causes significant difficulty breathing, leaving the sufferer with severe breathlessness and chronic coughing. This very disabling illness can lead to a cause of death.
- Lung cancer - A person's risk of developing lung cancer is heightened if they have already developed silicosis. Persistent coughing, breathlessness, unexplained tiredness, weight loss, and the occurrence of coughing up blood.
How does Silicosis affect Real Lives?
No matter how old the sufferer is, silicosis has a major, heartbreaking effect on them and the people around them.
[5]Ben, from Australia, a stonemason of 10 years, was diagnosed with silicosis the day before his 30th birthday. Before his diagnosis, Ben found himself feeling tired all the time, out of breath a lot, and always getting sick.
At the same time, a friend of his was also in the hospital battling silicosis. Alongside no change in health, his friend's situation gave him the push to get tested. His request for a CT scan was refused, and several times was told he too young for silicosis as doctors were adamant a person of his age would not develop the disease. Eventually, Ben received his diagnosis.
As his symptoms progressed, Ben not only had to give up his full-time job, but as a dad to 3 young children, his inability to play them and doing normal things with them “turned life inside out” for not just himself, but for the everyone else around him.
He said, “Mental health is the biggest killer of it all. You’re used to working a full-time job, getting up every day, providing for your family, paying your mortgage, putting food on the table, then to have that taken away and zero income. Not being able to get off the couch, not being able to get up, being so sick that you’re watching life go by and you’re not being part of it.”
Read more about Ben's story by clicking here.
Top Products for Silica Dust
When it comes to working safely around silica dust, the right equipment makes all the difference. Here are some of our favourite products to keep you safe and compliant.
1. MAXVAC Dustblocker DB650 & DB900
The unique dual voltage air scrubber on the MAXVAC Dustblocker has been specifically developed to remove the unseen dust in any working areas. Although it’s not possible to capture every dust particle, the Dustblocker DB650 is designed for dust extraction and to capture dust at its source, significantly improving air quality on-site.
This machine uses HEPA 14-Carbon filters as standard, ensuring the filtration is to the highest standard, while also expertly developed to operate 24 hours a day.
This extremely compact and quiet machine can be easily used in areas and buildings which are already occupied when work or renovations are being carried out.
The MAXVAC Dustblocker also has a negative pressure optional duct which can be easily attached to take the exhaust out of the sealed room.
Click here to view the MAXVAC Dustblocker DB650.
The MAXVAC Dustblocker DB900 has similar benefits to the Dustblocker DB650, except the DB900 has a significantly higher airflow, giving a higher performance, making it better suited for larger spaces and bigger sites. However, the DB650 is lighter, uses less power, quieter and much more easily transported.
Click here to view the MAXVAC Dustblocker DB900.
2. Force 8 Half-Mask with Press to Check™ P3 R Filters
If you’re looking for something which offers comfort, safety and conformity, then the Force 8 Half-Mask is exactly what you’re looking for.
The Force 8 Half Mask is made with durable thermoplastic rubber which offers a superior fit for most face shapes, and a fully adjustable 4-point cradle suspension, making it much more comfortable than other options.
Amongst its reflective strips which increase your visibility in low light environments, its Typhoon™ Exhalation valve makes for easy breathing with stable make configuration. The cost-effective Force™ are available with low profile angle for minimum visual impairment.
Click here to view the Force 8 Half-Mask.
3. MAXVAC PRO35 H
This strong but small tool vacuum has been manufactured to tackle dust classes H with unwavering efficiency.
The MAXVAC Pro35 H vacuum is designed to combat hazardous Class-H dusts, which include wood and paint particles.
Its automatic filter cleaning system includes a powerful suction power without interruption. This considerably reduces the time and expenses related with the manual filter maintenance.
Prevent dangerous particles from contaminating the air in your workplace or your site by trusting in the effective dust control performed by the MAXVAC Pro35 H.
Click here to view the MAXVAC Pro35 H.
4. MAXVAC AGS-125 Shroud
The MAXVAC AGS-125 Shroud is an angle grinder vacuum attachment which protects the user from airborne killer dust. This shroud aims to capture 100% of the dust which is extracted at the source.
It has a universal fit for most 110-125 angle grinders, where they can be easily clipped on. A variety of brands are available to choose from, including Makita, Dewalt, Bosch and Hitachi, to make sure you have the perfect fit for your tool.
This small investment is incredibly safe, as it allows you to fully see the blade whilst it is attached, allowing the user to achieve perfectly precise cuts using the entire blade depth.
Eliminate the dust clouds created when cutting whilst saving yourself time overall.
Click here to view the MACVAC AGS-125 Shroud.
5. MAXVAC Surface Grinder Shroud for 180mm Grinders
Similar to the MAXVAC AGS-125 Shroud for angle grinders, the MAXVAC Surface Grinder is the perfect tool for dust extraction.
This heavy-duty shroud promotes a cleaner and safer workspace by capturing dust at the source. It’s replaceable brush seal ensures it maintains a strong suction, in turn, expanding the products lifespan
The MAXVAC Grinder Shroud is perfect for flooring, construction, and surface preparation.
If you’re looking for efficiency, durability and superior results for dust control, this universal vacuum is your perfect option.
Click here to view the MAXVAC Surface Grinder Shroud.
Silica dust remains one of the most serious yet preventable hazards in construction. This invisible killer can have devastating, long-term effects on workers and their loved ones. With the right awareness and equipment, everyone can go home with peace of mind.
[2] https://hcssafety.co.uk/news/hse-health-and-safety-at-work-stats-for-2021-2022/
[3] https://ropewalk.co.uk/blog/silica-a-forgotten-mineral/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
[4] https://www.britsafe.org/safety-management/2023/silica-dust-a-hidden-danger
