Learning the Facts About Silicosis

Nov. 30, 2004
A new NIOSH booklet provides easy-to-read recommendations in English and Spanish to help construction workers, abrasive blasters and other employees to protect themselves from the risk of silicosis when they are potentially exposed on the job to silica dust.

"Silicosis: Learn the Facts!/Silicosis: Conozca los datos!" (DHHS [NIOSH] Publication No. 2004-108) also includes statistics on the prevalence of work-related deaths from silicosis, and case studies with information to help employees recognize risk factors. The booklet notes that many people with work-related silicosis are only in their thirties.

"This new booklet illustrates NIOSH's commitment to meet the growing need for occupational safety and health resources that can be easily used by Latino employees and their employers," said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. "Written in clear, simple terms in two languages, it offers practical guidance for preventing the terrible occupational illness of silicosis."

The illustrated booklet includes recommendations for using a wide range of protective measures to reduce the risk of silica dust exposure, including:

  • Avoiding working in dust whenever possible.
  • Using water spray and ventilation to reduce the amount of airborne dust.
  • Using personal protective equipment properly where water spray and ventilation alone are not enough to reduce exposure effectively. (The booklet includes photographs to help employees recognize the proper types of respirators to use.)
  • Practicing good personal hygiene at the workplace to avoid contaminating hands, face, clothing, or vehicles with silica dust.

The booklet can be ordered from the NIOSH toll-free information number, 1-800-356-4674. It can also be downloaded from the NIOSH Web page at www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2004-108/default.html.

For more information about silicosis, see the article, "Why Are So Many Workers Still Exposed to Silica?"

Sponsored Recommendations

ISO 45001: Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS)

March 28, 2024
ISO 45001 certification – reduce your organizational risk and promote occupational health and safety (OHS) by working with SGS to achieve certification or migrate to the new standard...

Want to Verify your GHG Emissions Inventory?

March 28, 2024
With the increased focus on climate change, measuring your organization’s carbon footprint is an important first action step. Our Green House Gas (GHG) verification services provide...

Download Free ESG White Paper

March 28, 2024
The Rise and Challenges of ESG – Your Journey to Enhanced Sustainability, Brand and Investor Potential

Free Webinar: Mining & ESG: The Sustainability Mandate

March 28, 2024
Participants in this webinar will understand the business drivers and challenges of ESG and sustainability performance, the 5 steps of the ESG and sustainability cycle, and prioritized...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!