What are the Health Risks Associated with Silica Dust Exposure?
Prolonged exposure to silica dust can lead to several serious health conditions. Silicosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, leading to inflammation and scarring of lung tissue. It can progress to more severe forms, such as progressive massive fibrosis (PMF). Additionally, silica dust exposure is linked to an increased risk of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases like COPD.