[The risk of silicosis from building site dust]

Abstract

The quartz content of ordinary building materials such as concrete, mortar and bricks is 10-50%. The extension of concrete building which has occurred since 1960 and the subsequent repairs and preparation by means of mechanical tools result in increased concentrations of dust containing quartz. Measurements at various types of work in Danish building sites reveal that the quantity of respirable quartz constitutes 0.16-1.8 mg/m3 (limit 0.1 mg/m3). Corresponding figures are found in investigations from abroad. Cases of silicosis have been reported among builders abroad and, in Denmark, only few cases of occupational dust lung conditions have been notified to the Workers' Supervision Authorities. Whether or not quartz in dust at building sites also causes an increase in the occurrence of cancer of the lung, as is the case in sandstone workers exposed to pure quartz, has not yet been proved. The latent period of several decades for the development of silicosis is such that it may well be feared that the cases now reported are only the beginning of increased occurrence of the disease in coming years among particularly exposed concrete workers, bricklayers, unskilled workers, electricians, joiners and carpenters. Relevant technical methods have already been developed to limit exposure to quartz-containing dust at building sites. Prophylactic measures should be accelerated.