Study Finds Link Between Silica Exposure and Lung Cancer

US researchers have found a strong link between increased chances of lung cancer and silica exposure, particularly in the workplace, according to a new meta-analysis.

Elizabeth Ward, national vice president of intramural research for the American Cancer Society, along with researchers from Emory University in Atlanta, note that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women in the United States, and currently, tobacco smoke is the greatest risk factor. However, exposure to other toxic chemicals, from asbestos to radon, and now silica, can also increase chances for developing lung cancer.

Silica occurs most commonly in quartz form, and can be found in stone, brick, concrete, and other common construction materials. Consistent work with these materials creates silica dust particles which are very small and can be inhaled deep into the lungs. Breathing tiny silica particles has long been known to cause silicosis, which shows up as inflammation of the lungs and scarring in the form of nodular lesions in the upper nodes of the lungs. Symptoms of silicosis include shortness of breath, cough, fever, and cyanosis (bluish skin).

Evidence from the new study, however, confirms the link between silica exposure and lung cancer. The research adds that non-smokers can develop lung cancer from silica exposure, and that silica exposure does not always cause silicosis, even if it does increase chances of developing lung cancer.

Occupations at risk of silica exposure include construction workers, miners in granite quarries, glass manufacturers, and dental assistants, because the materials they work with involve silica particles, and they have to drill or grind the materials, which can create a fine dust.

“Respirators may be useful for workers in short-term high-exposure situations but are generally not recommended as the primary means of exposure control, due to worker discomfort, difficulties in communicating with others, lack of compliance and enforcement and the fitting and maintenance requirements,” Kyle Steenland of Emory University in Atlanta, and Ward, wrote in their report.

OSHA Moves to Reduce Silica Exposure Levels

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that 2.2 million workers in the United States work in fields that expose them to silica. To combat silica exposure illnesses, including silicosis and lung cancer, OSHA announced that it will lower permissible silica exposure levels, which have not changed since 1971.

OSHA’s suggested lowering permissible silica exposure levels from 0.1 milligrams per cubic meter of air, to 0.05 milligrams. The agency estimates that this simple move of cutting the permissible levels in half will save 700 lives, and prevent 1,700 cases of silicosis annually.

To keep levels of silica as low as possible, OSHA recommends using less hazardous materials, ventilating work areas, and using water-based methods for drilling or grinding, to prevent silica particles from escaping into the air.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Complex Personal Injury, Including Silica Exposure

If you or a loved one have been exposed to a toxic substance, from asbestos to silica exposure, whether at home or in the workplace, the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help. Side effects from silica exposure can be extremely serious, and you could lose wages and have high medical bills while treating your symptoms. The Strom Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers will fight to help you to receive compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss the facts of your case. 803.252.4800