1.
DUST
Whether it comes from grinding, crushing,
cutting, or drilling, or from other sources, dust can be a serious problem. One
type of dust encountered in industry is organic-from substances whose source is
plant or animal life, such as coal, leather, flour, sugar, feathers, and cotton.
Many such dusts are not harmful, since the particles are too large to reach
finer and more delicate body tissues; many are not composed of poisonous
compounds. Organic dusts, however, may produce allergies, skin irritations, or
asthma. Miners of both soft and hard coal may develop a disabling shortness of
breath because of the effects of coal dust on the lungs.
Inorganic dusts, the
second major type, generally are from metals and minerals. Most dangerous is
silica, which causes silicosis. Silica dust may, lead to formation of fibrous
nodules in lung tissue; it also encourages development of tuberculosis, which
can be severe enough to be fatal. Asbestos dust also causes a lung
inflammation, asbestosis.
Workers such as diamond cutters, rock drillers,
asbestos-products workers, foundry and furnace men, abrasive-soap makers, and
packers are among those who may be exposed to silica and asbestos dust.
Most likely, workers exposed to such
dangerous dusts will be protected by exhaust systems or suction devices which
catch the dust at the point of origin, or by the use of oil or water to cover the
dust and keep it from rising, and by good ventilation and the use of
respiratory masks.
Even so, they should have regular; periodic chest x-rays to
detect any early presence of silica or asbestos in their lungs. They should be
constantly alert for colds that do not seem to get completely better, for
prolonged coughs, and for other symptoms of tuberculosis.
