Quartz
Risks of Quartz in Working Environments
Through medical research, increasing attention has been directed towards nanoparticles with a size corresponding to individual molecules.
What is quartz and why is it dangerous?
Quartz is one of the most common minerals on earth and is found in materials such as stone, concrete and sand. When these materials are processed, quartz dust can be released, posing a serious health risk.
Inhalation of the smallest quartz particles, which are less than 5 thousandths of a millimetre, can lead to serious lung diseases such as silicosis (silicosis), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
These particles can reach the alveoli, causing inflammation and scarring, which reduces the capacity of the lungs and leads to breathing difficulties.
High risk when working with stone materials
The risks are greatest when working with stone materials such as sand and concrete, especially when demolishing, drilling, grinding, excavating and sweeping.
In dry environments, the risk of dust exposure is higher, while water can reduce dust production during, for example, hole digging.
It is important to recognise that the greatest health risks occur when the dust is so fine that it is not visible to the naked eye. We cough up the larger particles, but the smallest particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause long-term damage.
(AFS 2015:2)
Safeguards and Regulatory Framework
To protect workers, the Swedish Work Environment Authority has issued regulations (AFS 2015:2) that emphasise the importance of risk assessment and preventive measures.
Employers are required to carry out risk assessments, use personal protective equipment, process ventilation and regular cleaning of workplaces. Training and information on the risks of silica are also crucial, as are regular medical checks to detect early signs of lung disease.
Employers must ensure that workers are aware of how to protect themselves and minimise dust production.
Health risks and prevention measures
Inhalation of silica dust can lead to silicosis, an incurable lung disease that prevents the lungs from expanding and functioning normally. Silicosis usually develops over a long period of time, between 10 and 30 years, but can also occur more quickly with high exposure. In addition to silicosis, silica dust increases the risk of COPD and lung cancer. Smoking further exacerbates these risks.
To prevent these health risks, it is important to use the right protective equipment, such as respirators, and to follow workplace safety procedures.
Process ventilation, ionisation and dust reduction methods, such as using water when processing stone materials, can also reduce the risk of dust exposure. Regular health checks can help detect early signs of lung disease and take action to prevent serious health problems.
Health risks and prevention measures
Inhalation of silica dust can lead to silicosis, an incurable lung disease that prevents the lungs from expanding and functioning normally. Silicosis usually develops over a long period of time, between 10 and 30 years, but can also occur more quickly with high exposure. In addition to silicosis, silica dust increases the risk of COPD and lung cancer. Smoking further exacerbates these risks.
To prevent these health risks, it is important to use the right protective equipment, such as respirators, and to follow workplace safety procedures.
Process ventilation, ionisation and dust reduction methods, such as using water when processing stone materials, can also reduce the risk of dust exposure. Regular health checks can help detect early signs of lung disease and take action to prevent serious health problems.
Important for buyers
Clients and employers must ensure that a risk analysis is carried out in environments where people may be exposed to silica dust. Protection and handling instructions should be available at the workplace and followed up annually.
Anyone who does not comply with the rules may face penalties.
It is also important to ensure that silica dust is not spread to the surrounding environment or taken home from the workplace, for example in clothing or vehicles.
Summary of the regulatory framework
According to the Swedish Work Environment Authority's regulations (AFS 2015:2), employers must:
Carry out risk assessments and take measures to minimise exposure to silica dust.
Ensure that workers have relevant training on the risks of silica and how to protect themselves.
Carry out measurements or reference measurements to monitor dust levels
Document silica dust management procedures and ensure compliance with them.
Document silica dust management procedures and ensure compliance with them.
Carry out regular medical checks for workers exposed to silica dust.
By following these guidelines and being aware of the risks, we can protect our health and ensure a safe working environment.
