Crystalline silica, you know? This mineral chemical is a hazard to exposed workers. Recognized as a proven carcinogen for humans by the International Cancer Research Committee, it justifies the implementation of protective measures.
This is the message delivered by the AIST (Association inter-entreprise de santé au travail) du Var (1).
Dr. Erwan Guevel, occupational physician, details what you need to know regarding this substance and the occupational risks it poses to employees.
A carcinogenic substance
Crystalline silica is therefore an inorganic chemical substance, most often of natural origin, sometimes resulting from an industrial process.
Very present in the earth’s crust, mainly in quartz but also in many rocks such as sandstone, granite, schist or slate, it can also be found in derivative products such as concrete or mortar.
The regulations concerning it have recently evolved; a decree of October 2020 and an implementing decree of January 1, 2021 record its recognition as a proven carcinogen for humans.
In the region, the 4th Occupational Health Plan has listed the prevention of the harmful effects of crystalline silica dust as a priority action.
“The danger, explains Dr. Guevel, comes from very fine crystalline silica dust, of the order of a few microns. They can lodge deep in the respiratory tract, in the alveoli and bronchioles.” In the more or less long term, “they can be responsible for irritation of the respiratory tract and eyes, chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive bronchitis (COPD), fibrosing diseases such as silicosis (miners’ disease) or bronchopulmonary cancers, smoking being an aggravating factor” , says Dr. Guevel.
“It can also promote the onset of tuberculosis in unvaccinated migrant populations from countries where the disease remains endemic, and finally kidney failure. The link is also proven with certain autoimmune diseases, in particular rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma.”
Exposed people
Photo DR.
“In France, it is estimated that 360,000 employees are exposed to this carcinogen, ranked 5th in the list of carcinogens in terms of the number of people exposed, behind diesel engine fumes, welding fumes, whole mineral oils and wood dust.”
The majority of the employees concerned work in the construction industry: 39% of employees in this sector of activity are exposed. Their professions? Masons, laborers, demolishers, navvies, sounders-drillers, miners, stonemasons, marble workers, machine operators, tilers, electricians, kitchen designers…
“About 200 cases of occupational diseases linked to crystalline silica dust are declared each year. This is four times less than asbestos, but it is estimated that there is probably under-declaration linked to ignorance of the risk. “
The precautions to take
“Individual and collective prevention measures are recommended, says Dr. Guevel. It is recommended to wear respiratory protection equipment, with a type P3 filtration level, as for asbestos. Depending on the activities, collective measures can be implemented to limit dust on sites, for example the aspiration of dust at the source or the wet slaughtering, (the humidity making it possible to avoid the dispersion of dust in the air).”
These recommendations are valid for amateur do-it-yourselfers. When knocking down a wall, sweeping up rubble or chopping wood, you have to protect yourself! Especially if it is a regular activity.
1. As part of its occupational risk prevention missions, and on the occasion of World Cancer Day, AIST 83 (aist83.fr) recently organized an information workshop at its premises in La Guard.
