silicosis handout - good for teachers

I do not believe that glass dust is a know cause of silicosis as it is not considered a source of crystalline silica, the cause of silicosis. Here is a link to a better (in my opinion) MSDS for glass dust.

kb pdf file) This MSDS does identify the dangers of inhaling glass dust containing metal oxides - which is likely a much greater danger to glass artists than silicosis.

Rusty Mase

silicosis.

It is true that OSHA sets different exposure standards for crystalline vs. amorphous respirable silica. This is largely attributed to the fact that amorphous silica is more soluble in water and thus more likely to be expelled from the lungs if inhaled.

None the less, both are considered health risks:

above document explicitly identifies calcined diatomaceous earth --another amorphous silica -- as a possible cause of silicosis. Most importantly, the typical glass studio is loaded with repiratory hazards. Dust released from sand-blasting (depending on blasting media), refractory products and kiln-wash all pose risks that can and should be managed.

- Paul

Paul, I did not want to minimize the respirable particulates problem, just identify the nature of each one. Some ceramics artists use silica flour (#200 and #325 mesh sand) that can lead to silicosis with repeated exposure. Comparable sized glass dust will dissolve in your lungs and will not cause silicosis. If you grind glass and create respirable dusts then you could be facing other problems than silicosis. So avoiding breathing all types of dust is recommended - and making sure you understand why is also important.

Rusty Mase