Construction workers face many hazards during their careers, and sheet metal workers are often in spaces between walls and inside ceilings, where they can be exposed to asbestos and silica.
If you haven’t learned about asbestos, head over to the OSHA website to learn more. OSHA's website also lists asbestos and silica construction standards. For more about silica, see this overview by OSHA.
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What is asbestosis?
Asbestosis refers to chronic lung diseases caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, which are microscopic, easily inhaled and remain airborne for up to 72 hours after they’re disturbed. Asbestos fibers enter the lung tissue, causing scarring and inflammation over many years, with a latency period of 10 to 40 years.What is silicosis?
Silicosis is a chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the time from initial exposure to when symptoms first appear depends on duration and intensity of exposure, with higher exposures resulting in shorter latency periods and quicker disease development. Accelerated silicosis after high levels of exposure typically occurs after 5 to 10 years. Chronic silicosis is the most common type and occurs after 10 or more years of exposure to lower levels of silica.
What are the symptoms of asbestosis?
Symptoms can include shortness of breath, persistent dry cough that can become productive of mucous or blood, feeling tired, finger clubbing and crackle noises when you breathe. Symptoms may start out mild and progress over time and often do not appear for more than 20 years.What are the symptoms of silicosis?
Silica dust causes inflammation in the lungs that, over time, creates scar tissue and therefore makes breathing difficult. Symptoms are mild and include cough, sputum and progressive shortness of breath. Later, patients suffer from weakness, fatigue, fever, night sweats, leg swelling and bluish discoloration of the lips.How are asbestosis and silicosis diagnosed?
Asbestosis and silicosis can be diagnosed through a chest x-ray, work history and known exposures, along with a pulmonary function test, which shows how effectively your lungs are working. Asbestosis and Silicosis may require additional testing, which can include a sputum test, high resolution CT Scan, bronchoscopy and surgical lung biopsy.What are the complications that could occur from asbestosis?
Complications include a higher risk of lung cancer, respiratory failure and heart failure due to increased work load on your heart from compromised lungs.What are the complications that could occur from silicosis?
Complications include tuberculosis, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, COPD, autoimmune disorders and kidney disease.What does treatment look like for asbestosis?
- Lung cancer
- Laryngeal (voice box) cancer
- Pleural thickening
- Mesothelioma
- Colorectal cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Esophageal cancer
What are some asbestos-related diseases?
Treatment is only based on relieving symptoms and working to slow disease progression. This often involves oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehab, smoking and vaping cessation, inhalers and updated vaccines to avoid any infections that can worsen symptoms.What does treatment look like for silicosis?
Treatment is only based on relieving symptoms and working to slow disease progression. Once a physician diagnoses the severity of the silicosis, treatments such as a bronchodilator, smoking cessation, supplemental oxygen, pulmonary rehab or surgery can be used. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, complete with exercise and vaccinations to prevent respiratory infections, as well as creating a plan to manage flare-ups, can help manage the disease.How can I prevent asbestosis and silicosis?
Be informed! Prevention is all about keeping exposures from happening. Avoid exposures by using proper PPE and following OSHA asbestos regulations as well as local and state regulations. Know the age of the building you’re working in and the elements of the environment around you. If you think you could have been exposed above the OSHA standard permissible exposure limit, or PEL, see your supervisor. Don’t smoke or vape.How can I keep my family safe?
Take-home exposures are real and they can affect loved ones who never set foot onto a jobsite. To keep others safe, remove your work clothes before, or as soon as, you enter your house and place them in an enclosed laundry hamper reserved for only your work clothes. Leave your work boots in the garage, outside or a place where they cannot transfer material into your house. Before hugging your spouse or children, change out of your work clothes and shower.Sign up for the Workplace Exposure Research Program