Q. Can a single exposure to silica dust cause silicosis?
Hello doctor,
I have a question about silica dust exposure. I have been working on a fireplace, and the surrounding had a lot of dried grout. I was sanding the grout with a metal brush. I used an N95 dust mask for protection. However, I have not realized that the grout contained silica which is very harmful to the lungs. I am worried if N95 rendered enough protection. There was a lot of dust during the sanding around me and in my hair and clothes. I took a shower later.
Also, please tell me if my family members are at risk if they were in and out of that without any masks. I am afraid that my infant was also exposed. He was there for about two hours after I was done sanding, but before the cleanup, he was about 10 feet away from the fireplace. But there was enough silica dust in the air to cause him damage. Should I be concerned about silicosis?
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
Only with long exposure, maybe about ten years, does the risk of silicosis increase. Even with a mask, there is exposure. Advise family members to maintain a distance of 500 meters. Since it is your occupation, periodically check your respiratory health and do spirometry and high-resolution computed tomography thorax.
I hope this helps.
Hi doctor,
The family members were about three to five meters away. Is this considered high exposure?
I have read that it usually takes years of exposure to cause silicosis. Is one exposure like this enough to cause silicosis?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
Yes, three to five meters distance is a high-risk zone, and you and your family using N95 is a good thing. It delays the disease development process. Periodical checks are recommended.
Silicosis usually takes ten years to develop, and also when it develops, it presents as end-stage lung disease.
Sanding may cause silicosis, but mainly stone cutters, mines workers and brick makers are at higher risk of silicosis.
I hope this information is helpful.
Was this answer helpful?
|Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions:
Professional Diseases - Types, Symptoms, and Prevention
.. due to exposure to risk factors resulting entirely or at least partially from work activities or the work environment .. ... Read full
Work-Related Asthma - Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, and Treatment.. type of asthma triggered by substances in the working environment. This article illustrates the causes and management of the condition .. ... Read full
Can sanded grout exposure cause some serious effects?.. the history, it is quite a high-level exposure and it can cause some kind of pneumonitis feature called hypersensitivity pneumonitis or toxic dust syndrome. If she develops symptoms of a cough, breathlessness, better to get a CT thorax to see her ... Read full
Also Read Answers From:
Comprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case
Also Read
Coronavirus Variant Arcturus: | Omicron XBB.1.16 Variant
Arcturus is an emerging variant of the Omicron virus that causes various symptoms and spreads rapidly across the world. ... Read more»
Adrenaline Rush - Symptoms, Causes, Effects, and How to Control
Adrenaline is a hormone responsible for fight or flight response. It is also a neurotransmitter and medicine. It is also... Read more»
Fatty Liver - Types, Symptoms, Stages, and Treatment
The liver is the largest gland in the body. Its primary function is to process the food and drinks we consume. and filte... Read more»
Ask your health query to a doctor online?
Ask a Pulmonologist Now* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.
