I. Health Hazards of Silica Dust
Long-term exposure to silica (silicon dioxide) dust can have multiple effects on human health:

Respiratory System Hazards: Long-term inhalation of silica dust may lead to pulmonary fibrosis, causing pneumoconiosis, manifested as progressive dyspnea, cough with black sputum, etc. It can also lead to chronic bronchitis, with patients experiencing persistent cough and sputum production, mostly white and mucous-like. In severe cases, it can lead to complications such as emphysema, tuberculosis, and pulmonary heart disease.

Skin and eye irritation: Direct contact with silica powder may clog pores, causing folliculitis or acne-like rashes. Eye contact can cause conjunctival congestion, tearing, and other irritation symptoms; repeated contact may lead to chronic conjunctivitis.

Potential carcinogenic risk: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies silica as a Group 2B carcinogen. Animal studies show that long-term high-dose exposure may increase the risk of lung tumors, but evidence of its carcinogenicity in humans is insufficient.

II. Protective measures for silica dust
1. Engineering control measures: Workplaces should be equipped with local exhaust ventilation and dust collection equipment (such as dust hoods and fume hoods) and general ventilation systems. Production equipment should be equipped with dust collection devices (such as bag filters), and dust deposits on the floor and equipment surfaces should be cleaned regularly. Wet processing methods should be used to suppress dust dispersion and achieve a closed and automated production process.

2. Personal Protective Equipment
Respiratory Protection: Wear a dust mask that meets national standards (e.g., KN95 level). In high-concentration environments, a powered air-purifying respirator or full-face mask is required.

Eye Protection: Wear chemical safety goggles to prevent dust irritation to the eyes.
Body Protection: Wear protective clothing and rubber gloves that are resistant to toxic substances.
Hygiene Management: Wash exposed skin promptly after work. Work clothes must be changed and washed separately daily.

3. Health Monitoring and Management
Establish occupational health records and conduct annual chest X-rays or CT scans and pulmonary function tests. Seek medical attention promptly if persistent cough, chest tightness, or other respiratory symptoms occur.
Enterprises should organize pre-employment, on-the-job, and post-employment occupational health examinations to detect pneumoconiosis early.

III. Long-Term Health Effects and Complications
Pneumoconiosis: A legally recognized occupational disease, primarily caused by long-term inhalation of silica dust leading to pulmonary fibrosis. Diffuse nodular shadows are visible on chest X-rays; diagnosis requires a combination of occupational exposure history, clinical manifestations, and imaging examinations.

Respiratory Complications:
Emphysema: Alveoli Wall damage leads to progressive respiratory distress, which can result in respiratory failure in severe cases.
Pulmonary tuberculosis: Decreased lung defense function makes it prone to tuberculosis, accelerating the deterioration of lung function.
Spontaneous pneumothorax: Decreased lung tissue elasticity makes it prone to sudden chest pain and respiratory distress.

Systemic effects:
Pulmonary heart disease: Caused by long-term hypoxia and pulmonary hypertension, which may present with lower extremity edema, jugular venous distension, and other manifestations of right heart failure.

Systemic symptoms: Fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, etc.
IV. Occupational Health Standards and Regulations
National Standards: Follow relevant standards such as the "Technical Requirements for Silica Industry" (GB/T 14486-2017). Workplace dust concentration should be controlled within the nationally prescribed limits (e.g., 8 mg/m³). The newly released "Standard for Determination of Dust in Workplace Air" (GBZ/T) in 2025... Occupational health standards such as 192.1-2025

Corporate Responsibility: Provide protective equipment that meets national standards and regularly check its sealing and filtration effectiveness. Strengthen on-the-job training to ensure employees master emergency response measures. Regularly monitor dust concentration in the workplace; if levels exceed standards, implement engineering control measures.

Personal Protective Equipment Guidelines: Wear a dust mask that fits snugly against the face in high-dust environments. Use air-supplied helmets or other air-supplying products in confined or enclosed spaces. Do not use compressed air to blow away dust; instead, use wet cleaning or vacuuming to handle loose materials. [Methods for treating silica dust exhaust gas | Case studies of silica dust exhaust gas treatment | Silica] How to Treat Dust and Exhaust Gas

V. Summary and Recommendations The occupational hazards of silica dust should not be ignored. A multi-layered protection system should be adopted:

Prevention First: Prioritize engineering control measures to reduce dust generation and diffusion.
Personal Protection: Use protective equipment correctly and ensure it is in effective condition.
Health Monitoring: Conduct regular occupational health examinations to detect health problems early.
Environmental Management: Keep the workplace clean to prevent secondary dust generation.
Education and Training: Raise awareness of protection and master correct protective methods and emergency measures.

Employees should strictly abide by operating procedures, clean their nasal cavity and skin promptly after work, and avoid bringing dust out of the workplace. If symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain occur, seek medical attention immediately. Do not take cough suppressants to mask the symptoms.