Applying Your Knowledge:
Silica and Silicosis

The cement manufacturing company XYZ has just discovered that one of their processing operations is putting extremely large amounts of crystalline silica dust into the air.  Brent, who was hired just 6 months ago, has noted how tired he has become lately, and how difficult it is to breath.

If Brent has silicosis, it probably is which type?

Chronic

Accelerated

Acute

Accelerated

Probably not, unless Brent previously worked around crystalline silica.  Accelerated silicosis takes 5 to 10 years to develop with moderate exposures.  Try again

Acute

Yes.  Acute silicosis can develop within weeks due to high levels of silica exposure.

Go on to Determine if Silica exposure is present in your workplace

Chronic

Probably not, unless Brent has a history of working around crystalline silica.  Chronic silicosis results from prolonged exposure to small amounts of silica, taking up to 10 or 15 years to develop.  Try again

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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