Introduction
The color of silicon carbide, which is crystalline and resembles sand, ranges from clear to pale yellow or green to black. It is utilized in ceramics, abrasive grinding wheels, sandpaper, pencils, and refractory materials.
A complex chemical compound of silicon and carbon is called silicon carbide, commonly known as carborundum. Since 1893, it has been mass-produced as a powder and crystal for use as an abrasive. It is a semiconductor that naturally occurs as the incredibly uncommon mineral moissanite. Sintering is a process that bonds silicon carbide grains together to create tough ceramics, which are frequently used in high-endurance applications, including vehicle brakes, car clutches, and ceramic plates in bulletproof vests. It is possible to grow silicon carbide in large single crystals, which can then be carved into gems called synthetic moissanite.
What Are the Adverse Health Effects of Silicon Carbide on Humans?
The following are the adverse health effects of silicon carbide:
Acute Health Effects: Following exposure to silicon carbide, the following acute (short-term) health consequences could happen:
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On contact, silicon carbide can irritate the nose and eyes.
Chronic Health Effects: Following exposure to silicon carbide, the following chronic (long-term) health problems may develop and could last for months or years:
Cancer Hazard:
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The evidence supporting silicon carbide's role in animal cancer is scant. However, it might lead to lung cancer in some cases.
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According to many scientists, there is no safe degree of exposure to a carcinogen. These toxins might also have the ability to harm human reproduction.
Reproductive Hazard:
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The ability of silicon carbide to alter reproduction has yet to be examined, according to the currently available information.
Other Long-Term Effects:
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Repeated high exposure to silicon carbide may cause pneumoconiosis, a chronic lung condition marked by abnormalities on chest x-rays, and a decline in lung function accompanied by coughing, wheezing, and dyspnea (shortness of breath).
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If pneumoconiosis develops, the risk of contracting tuberculosis rises.
What Are the Workplace Controls and Practices That the Employees Should Follow?
Engineering controls are the most efficient method of lowering exposure unless a less toxic chemical can be used in place of a hazardous compound. At the location of a chemical release, operations should be contained, and local exhaust ventilation should be available. Operation isolation can also lower exposure. It may be required to use protective gear or respirators.
When assessing the controls of silicon carbide, take into account the following:
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The substance's level of danger.
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The amount of chemical proportion that is released at work.
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Special protections should be placed when considerable skin, eye, or respiratory exposures are probable or when dangerous compounds are used.
Additionally, the following controls are advised:
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Manage the transport of silicon carbide from drums or other storage containers to process containers wherever possible.
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Work surfaces need to be carefully cleaned regularly.
Hazardous exposures can be decreased with the use of good work practices. Therefore, the following working procedures are advised:
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Workers should immediately change into clean garments if their clothing has been contaminated with silicon carbide.
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Refrain from bringing dirty work attire home. Family members can be at risk.
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People aware of the risks associated with exposure to silicon carbide should wash contaminated work clothing.
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Emergency eyewash stations should be placed close to the work area.
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If skin exposure is a possibility, emergency shower facilities should be offered.
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If silicon carbide touches the skin, take it off immediately by taking a shower or bath. Wash all body parts that may have come into touch with silicon carbide at the end of the shift.
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Wherever silicon carbide is handled, processed, or stored, avoid eating, smoking, and drinking because the substance can be ingested. Before consuming anything, applying cosmetics, smoking, or visiting the restroom, wash your hands thoroughly.
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When cleaning, use a vacuum or a wet technique to minimize dust. Avoid dry sweeping.
What Are the Personal Protective Equipment Used by Workers Dealing With Silicon Carbide?
Workplace controls are more efficient than personal protective equipment. Personal protective equipment, however, may be necessary for some jobs (such as outdoor labor, confined space, jobs performed only occasionally, or jobs conducted while workplace controls are being installed).
Employers must select the proper personal protective equipment for each hazard, following the personal protective equipment standards, and instruct staff members on how and when to use the equipment.
The following recommendations are simply guidelines and might not be appropriate in all circumstances:
Clothing:
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Avoid getting silicon carbide on the skin. Put on gloves and garments with protection. Safety equipment makers might suggest the best garment material for the operation.
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Before starting work, all protective gear (suits, gloves, shoes, and helmet) should be cleaned and available.
Eye Protection:
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Protect the eyes from impacts by wearing side shields or goggles.
Respiratory Protection:
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It is dangerous to misuse respirators.
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Such equipment could be employed only if the employer has a written program that considers industrial conditions, worker training requirements, respirator fit testing, and medical examinations.
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It has been determined that new testing and certification standards for negative pressure, air purifying, particulate filtering, and filtering facepiece respirators are necessary for particular workplaces. The N, R, and P series have replaced the previous filter classes of dust/mist/fume, paint spray or pesticide prefilters, and filters for radon daughters. Each series has three filtering efficiency levels: 95 %, 99 %, and 99.9 %. To find out which respirator is best for the facility, contact the manufacturer or provider of safety equipment.
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If a worker wearing a filter or cartridge respirator can smell, taste, or otherwise detect silicon carbide, if a worker wearing particulate filters experiences unusual breathing difficulty, or if a worker wearing a full facepiece respirator experiences eye irritation, the worker should leave the area right away. Make sure that the face-to-respirator seal is still effective. Replacement of the filter or cartridge as necessary. The worker can require a new respirator if the seal is damaged.
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Make sure to take into account all potential exposures at work. To defend against various chemical forms (such as vapor and mist) or a combination of chemicals, filters, prefilters, or cartridges must be used.
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Use a supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece and a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode where there is a high risk of exposure. Use in conjunction with an additional self-contained breathing apparatus running in a pressure-demand or different positive-pressure mode for extra protection.
Conclusion
On touch, silicon carbide can irritate the nose and eyes. Repeated high exposure to silicon carbide can cause pneumoconiosis, a chronic lung illness marked by abnormalities on chest x-rays, a decline in lung function, and symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. It is important to follow strict safety and protective measure when working around silicon carbide.
