Silica Dust

One of the most abundant naturally occurring minerals on earth, free crystalline silica is found in sand, granite, sandstone, slate, flint, and coal. When silica is mined, it releases a hazardous dust that is known to cause a number of life-threatening diseases, namely silicosis.

A type of cystic fibrosis of the lungs, silicosis develops when silica dust particles become lodged in the lungs, spurring the growth of breathing-inhibiting nodules. Even short-term exposure-as little as a few weeks-can trigger the disease.

Anyone who works around the dust released from silica-especially miners, sandblasters, and concrete laborers-is at elevated risk for exposure. If you have been exposed to silica dust, it is imperative that you seek professional legal counsel who can help you build your case.

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