Silica Exposure

Crystalline silica is a naturally occurring mineral. Silica dust, or respirable crystalline silica, is made of tiny silica particles that are 100 times smaller than ordinary sand.

Silica dust is created and can become airborne when materials that contain silica are cut, sawed, ground, drilled or crushed.

Breathing silica dust, even in small amounts, can cause silicosis.

Workers in certain occupations such as surface fabricators, masons, stone cutters, and sand blasters are at a higher risk of silica inhalation. Because of this, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has established standards to limit occupational exposure.

Because silica is dangerous, workers can file lawsuits if they become ill from silica dust inhalation. Injured parties may have the right to take legal action against their employer or a product manufacturer. People may file these lawsuits for a failure to warn them about silica dust hazards. They may also file for a failure to implement safety measures to reduce exposure.

Industries at risk of silica dust exposure

Workers who perform the following tasks or work in the following industries have a higher risk of occupational exposure to silica dust:

Silica dust is harmful. Breathing crystalline silica particles can cause several serious health conditions. 

Silicosis

Silicosis is an incurable, potentially disabling and possibly fatal lung disease. It occurs when silica dust enters the lungs and causes scar tissue to form. The scar tissue makes it hard to breathe. Silicosis affects alveolar macrophages in the lungs. These alveolar macrophages, also known as dust cells, are part of the immune system that protects respiratory functions.

Common symptoms of silicosis include:

• Coughing that brings up sputum (a mixture of saliva and mucus)
• Fatigue
• Fibrosis (scarring) of the lungs
• Inflammation of the lungs
• Persistent coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Unintended weight loss
• Weakness

If you or someone you love suffers from silicosis caused by occupational exposure to silica, you may be eligible for a silicosis lawsuit.

What is the permissible exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica?

No level of silica exposure is considered safe. Exposure of any level may lead to health effects. OSHA has established a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica.

What are the common symptoms of silica exposure? 

Symptoms of silica exposure can vary depending on the health condition and the exposure causes. Some common symptoms include chest pain, cough, fatigue and shortness of breath.

See a doctor immediately if you or someone you love experience symptoms after sustaining occupational exposure to silica dust. A healthcare provider can diagnose your condition and discuss your treatment options. 

People exposed to respirable crystalline silica can develop severe, disabling and deadly health conditions. You may qualify for financial compensation if you have experienced exposure and have a related medical problem. 

What products contain silica? 

Silica is naturally found in the environment in rocks, sand, clay, soil, air and water. Many building materials and products also contain silica, some include:

• Artificial stone
• Brick
• Ceramics
• Cleansers
• Concrete
• Glass
• Mortar
• Pottery
• Skincare products
• Talcum powder

For years, Motley Rice has fought for clients harmed by toxic exposure. Our attorneys work tirelessly to protect individuals, families and communities from negligent companies. Our mission is to use the power of the law to create cleaner, safer places to live and work. 

Our litigation experience with silica includes a historic class action settlement for thousands of South African gold mine workers. Our law firm has also represented people exposed to:

• AFFF firefighting foam
• Asbestos
• Contaminated water at Camp Lejeune
• PFAS, also known as forever chemicals
• Paraquat weed killer
• Roundup® herbicide

Read more on our toxic exposure litigation experience.