The Effects of Sandblasting With Silica

Sandblasting with silica is a common method for smoothing irregularities and cleaning paint from buildings, bridges, ship hulls and other metal and stone surfaces. Working with silica, which is a hard, crystalline and naturally occurring mineral, can sometimes negatively effect the workers' health. If you are thinking of undertaking a sandblasting project, take note of the risks involved and wear the appropriate protective gear.

Chronic Silicosis

• Chronic silicosis results from inhaling low amounts of silica over a long period of time, according to the National Institutes of Health's Medline Plus website. Workers who have been sandblasting with silica---or silica-containing materials, such as sand---for more than 20 years are the strongest candidates for developing the condition. This long-term exposure to silica swells the lungs and lymph nodes in the chest, which often makes breathing difficulty.

Accelerated Silicosis

• Accelerated silicosis results from inhaling larger amounts of silica over a shorter period of time, often between five and fifteen years. It is similar to chronic silicosis, only that internal swelling and its resulting symptoms progress more rapidly.

Progressive Massive Fibrosis

• As Medline Plus points out, progressive massive fibrosis can be a result of both chronic and accelerated silicosis cases. However, it occurs much more frequently with the latter. According to Medcyclopedia, the condition causes lung tissues to scar and produces thick, variably shaped tissue masses in their place. These masses will grow progressively larger over time and in some cases may affect the function of other organs in addition to the lungs.

Acute Silicosis

• The acute variety of silicosis is perhaps the most severe, and can produce noticeable symptoms in sufferers after a relatively short span of time, such as under five years. Medline Plus states that the disease results from the inhalation of very high quantities of silica over a shorter exposure time. Symptoms can include severe lung inflammation and fluids building up in the lungs, which in turn can cause acute shortness of breath and low levels of oxygen in the blood.

Tuberculosis

• According to Silicosis and Silica Dust Disease lawyers, people who suffer from silicosis are at an increased risk of developing tuberculosis, specifically the active type. Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial disease that causes nodules to grow on lung, kidney and other internal tissues. As Mayo Clinic points out, the active type of the disease is contagious and causes an immediate outbreak of symptoms in its sufferers. These symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, chills and night sweats.