Bailey, Stultz, Oldaker & Greene P.L.L.C.

Silica

            Silica is a naturally occurring mineral composing a large percentage of the earth’s crust.   Workers in many different industries and trades may have silica exposure including miners, rock drillers, construction workers, sandblasters, stone cutters, foundry workers, and workers in the glass, pottery and brick industries.  Exposure to silica may occur when dust is created by chipping, hammering and drilling of rock, abrasive blasting, or crushing, loading, sawing or hammering of silica containing material.

Silicosis is an occupational lung disease that is caused by inhalation of silica dust.  It causes scarring and inflammation of lung tissue which blocks the flow of oxygen into the lungs and blood stream.  If the scarring grows too large, breathing becomes difficult and death may occur.  Silica exposure also has been linked with tuberculosis, lung cancer and certain connective tissue diseases. 

The hazards of silica exposure have been widely known and written about for centuries.  In 1931, nearly 500 workers died from silicosis after blasting the Hawk’s Nest Tunnel at Gauley Bridge, West Virginia.  As a result, in 1935, West Virginia passed a workmen’s compensation law providing for benefits for death or disability resulting from silicosis. 

Silicosis is a preventable disease when appropriate engineering measures and personal protective equipment are utilized; however, thousands of workers continue needlessly to be exposed annually to the hazards of silica.  If you have a silica-related disease, you may have a right to bring a lawsuit against those responsible for your injuries. For further information, please contact Bailey, Stultz, Oldaker & Greene P.L.L.C. toll free at 1-866-266-6853.

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