NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance in Preventing Silicosis and Deaths from Sandblasting.

摘要

To prevent silicosis in workers exposed to crystalline silica (14808607) during sandblasting, NIOSH has requested the assistance of editors of trade journals, health and safety officials, labor unions, and employers in disseminating information to workers who are at risk. Tasks performed by sandblasters included cleaning sand and irregularities from foundry castings; cleaning and removing paint from ship hulls, stone buildings, metal bridges and other metal surfaces; and finishing tombstones, etching or frosting glass, and performing certain artistic endeavors. The report included descriptions of silicosis, the health effects of crystalline silica exposure, and the practices used for respiratory protection. Restricting the use of silica in abrasive blasting and current exposure limits were discussed. An estimate of the number of exposed workers in the United States was given and five case reports were reviewed. The five case reports described 14 fatal cases of silicosis and 85 other cases of silicosis related to sandblasting. Several recommendations were offered.