Silica
Crystalline silica is a natural compound in the earth's crust and is a basic component of sand and granite. Silicosis is an incurable disease of the lungs caused by breathing crystalline silica dust. This dust can cause scar tissue to form in the lungs, which reduces the lungs' ability to extract oxygen from the air. Each year, two million workers in the U.S. are exposed to silica, with nearly 300 dying of silicosis. In addition to silicosis, inhalation of silica dust has been associated with bronchitis, tuberculosis and lung cancer.
Some industries and activities that pose the greatest potential risk for exposure to silica dust include, but are not limited to, construction (sandblasting, rock drilling, masonry work, jack hammering, tunneling), mining (cutting or drilling through sandstone and granite), foundry work (grinding, moldings, shakeout, core room), ceramics, clay, pottery, stone cutting (sawing, abrasive blasting, chipping, grinding), glass manufacturing, agriculture, shipyards (abrasive blasting), railroad (setting and laying track), manufacturing and use of abrasives, and manufacturing of soaps and detergents.
In addition, the CBS's news program "60 Minutes II" recently reported that African-American members of the U.S. Navy may have been exposed to excessive levels of silica. Apparently, these servicemen were exposed to the substance while performing maintenance on aircraft carrier decks.
See your doctor if you have experienced serious health problems because of silica exposure. In addition, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence suit.
Attorneys associated with InjuryBoard.com will evaluate your case free of charge. In addition, you will not pay any fees or costs unless your attorney recovers money for you. Please click on the free Ask An Attorney button to take advantage of this valuable service.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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