Silicoses
Inhaling quartz dust can lead to silicosis. This occupational disease is characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent cough, fatigue, and sometimes fever. Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic respiratory deficiencies, heart disease, and even lung cancer. Silicosis, commonly known as pneumoconiosis, was once most prevalent among miners. According to Steven Ronsmans, a specialist in occupational diseases at KU Leuven, about one-third of the patients he treated for silicosis last year likely contracted the condition from working with quartz composite. The effects are often not noticeable until years later, but they are also irreversible.
STOP-strategy
To minimize exposure to quartz dust, the STOP principle (a hierarchy of controls in occupational hygiene) is included in the Occupational Health and Safety Act. These are measures that employers must take to manage the risks of hazardous (and carcinogenic) substances for employees. The priorities for taking action are: 1. Substitution of source material, 2. Technical measures, 3. Organizational measures, and as a last line of defense; 4. Personal protective equipment.
Air purification as a technical measure
Source extraction directly at the dust-generating process is the first, most effective technical measure. However, it is almost never a 100% solution. To prevent remaining dust particles from spreading, space ventilation can help, but this often leads to heat loss. Targeted air purification based on recirculation ensures that respirable dust concentrations remain manageable on the work floor for all employees, while retaining heat and energy.
Successful protection with ENS technology
Complete protection against quartz dust is challenging to achieve, but supplementary measures can significantly reduce exposure. ENS Clean Air has recently proven that it is possible to limit the spread of quartz dust at a countertop manufacturer. The background concentration of dust in the air was reduced, making the working environment safer for everyone in the production hall and surrounding areas. This also reaffirms that our positive ionization technology effectively captures stone-like dust. Even in the long term and in high humidity, the technology remains consistently effective.
Are you looking for solutions to control quartz dust? We are happy to work with you to develop a suitable strategy.
