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?"

About the Author

Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith is the former content director of EHS Today, and is currently the EHSQ content & community lead at Intelex Technologies Inc. She has written about occupational safety and health and environmental issues since 1990.

Sponsored Recommendations

June 23, 2025
Learn about lone working laws in the US, key hazards and risks, and get actionable advice on how to keep your lone workers safe.
June 23, 2025
Chemical substitution can quickly get messy, with unclear steps and the risk of swapping one hazard for another. This checklist helps you avoid costly mistakes, prioritize which...
June 23, 2025
A mature approach to health and safety means making safety a core part of your culture, where everyone plays a role and performance is measured by more than just numbers. In this...
June 23, 2025
Behavior-based safety focuses on observing and encouraging safe behaviors to reduce workplace risks. Experts explain how strong safety culture, clear methods, and digital tools...

Voice your opinion!

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