Naturally occurring silica can be found in sand,
quartz, granite, concrete, cement, stone, gypsum and aggregates
and, as such, is widely used by many industries. Crystalline
silica, also known as silica dust, is found in silica.
The inhalation of crystalline silica can cause silicosis,
an incurable lung disease. Recent studies have shown
that the inhalation of crystalline silica may also cause other
serious adverse health effects, including chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, tuberculosis, emphysema,
lupus, scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis.
There are three forms of silicosis:
1) Chronic silicosis: long term exposure
(generally exposed for 10
years or more)
2) Accelerated silicosis: exposure to larger
amounts of silica over
a shorter period of time (approximately 4-9 years)
3) Acute silicosis--from short term exposure
to very large amounts of
silica (can occur in as little as a few weeks)
Who is at risk for silica related disease?
Some of the most highly exposed employees are those in the
following trades:
-sandblasting
-glass, ceramics and pottery manufacturing
-furnace installation and repair
-ship building and repair
-refractory operations
-iron and steel works
-railroad track works
What legal rights do I have if I suffer from silicosis?
If you suffer from silicosis or other silica-related disease
or injury, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit against the
manufacturers and suppliers of silica and silica-containing
products. If you have been diagnosed with silicosis
or another silica related injury, you should consult with an
attorney immediately.
Your Legal Rights
If you have been diagnosed with silicosis or another silica
related injury, contact one of our attorneys immediately for
a possible claim.
