January 3, 2003—A redesigned topic page on silica on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) Web site offers a structured, expanded online resource for locating information on preventing work-related illnesses linked with occupational exposure to silica dust.
The redesigned topic page makes it easier for users to find information about silica dust, primarily in its most hazardous form, respirable crystalline silica. It includes a new, brief summary about the prevalence of occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica, and the health effects associated with exposure. It also expands the number and variety of links to better reflect the wide range of information available from NIOSH and other authoritative sources.
At least 1.7 million US workers are exposed to silica dust in a variety of industries and occupations, including construction, sandblasting, and mining. Silicosis, an irreversible but preventable disease, is the illness most closely associated with occupational exposure. Some studies also have linked exposure with risks for lung cancer and some auto-immune diseases.
