What are the health hazards of silica to humans?

Under normal circumstances, silica exposure can pose various health risks to humans, including skin dryness and cracking, allergic reactions, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and silicosis. The specific details are as follows:

1. Skin Dryness and Cracking

Minute silica particles can form a thin layer of fine granules on the skin's surface, acting as a barrier that limits the skin’s contact with the external environment. This isolation reduces exposure to air, leading to dry and cracked skin.

2. Allergic Reactions

Long-term or repeated exposure to silica or silica-containing products may increase the risk of allergic reactions. Symptoms may include skin itching, redness, scaling, rashes, and stinging sensations. Severe allergic reactions could lead to urticaria (hives), edema (swelling), and shortness of breath.

3. Chronic Bronchitis

Silica dust can trigger inflammatory responses in the lungs, causing damage to lung tissue. Prolonged inflammation may irritate the mucous membranes and bronchial tubes, potentially leading to symptoms of chronic bronchitis.

4. Emphysema

Long-term exposure to silica particles can induce chronic inflammation in the lungs. This inflammation damages lung tissues, including small airways and alveoli, potentially resulting in emphysema. The best way to prevent emphysema is to avoid exposure to harmful substances such as fine silica particles, implement appropriate safety measures, and use personal protective equipment.

5. Silicosis

Silicosis is a lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to fine silica particles. These tiny silica particles can be inhaled and deposited in the lungs, triggering a series of adverse biological effects that ultimately lead to the development of silicosis.

Silica exposure poses significant health risks to humans, and long-term or high-level contact with silica should be avoided as much as possible.