I spent some time today working with granite. Am I at risk for silicosis from such short term exposure?

Question

This was just a one time thing and I have had minimal exposure to silica before. Also I am in my teens.

Answer 1

Probably not, depending on how much and how fine the particles were when you inhaled them. If you were wearing adequate filtering devices while you were working on the granite, you'll probably be fine.

If you had an acute reaction to the particles, you'd have signs of dyspnea (shortness of breath), along with cough. Have you had productive cough? Did you have colored secretions? If you have any of these, you may have inhaled enough to cause a reaction.

Next time you work on the stuff, be sure to wear a good mask. N95 masks are good enough for TB, but they become difficult to breathe through after a while (not to mention the perspiration). If filtering devices aren't readily available try a wet cloth (better than nothing solution). The wet cloth will impede the flow of air (increasing the work of breathing), but could filter out more particles than a dry one.

Your lungs will clean out small exposures on its own. If you had a large exposure, that may be a different story. Unfortunately, we may not know the long term effects of the exposure... at least not for 10-15 years. This according to the NIH (National Institute of Health) "Intense exposure to silica may result in disease in a year or less, but it usually takes at least 10 or 15 years of exposure before symptoms develop."

Anyway, good luck, and take strong precautions in the future.