Inhaling Silica dust causes Silicosis - a lung disease that has no cure.
Silicosis lawsuits can be filed against manufacturers if crystalline silica-containing products, employers that put workers in constant contact with silica dust, and others.
A silicosis lawsuit may be able to recover financial burdens related to the disease, such as the cost of treatment and lost wages. Funds may also be recovered for non-economic damages.
Currently, most silicosis lawsuits have been filed against sand suppliers and protective clothing manufacturers.
These defendants usually argue that it is the responsibility of employers that work with silicosis to make their workers aware of the dangers, not those that are supplying the materials.
To date, there hasn't been a large silicosis award that has made its way through the appeals process.
Silica is a very common, naturally occurring crystal. It is the oxide of silica (SiO2) and is also known as silicon dioxide.
Silicon dioxide is the most abundant rock-forming compound on earth and comprises close to 95% of the Earth's crust and is also the main component of sand.
Silicosis is caused by intense exposure to silica dust.
Many people are exposed to silica dust in their work environment. Examples include building and road construction, mining stone cutting, quarrying, tunneling, and any work with metal ores.
Glass workers and sand-blaster are also heaving exposed to silica.
Silicosis is a respiratory disease. Inhaling silica dust leads to inflammation and scarring of lung tissue.
Silicosis varies in intensity and usually takes a minimum of ten or fifteen years before symptoms begin to develop.
Symptoms include chronic coughing, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath, and weight loss.