Scleroderma Symptoms Causes Environmental

Causes of Scleroderma: Silica Exposure

Materials Containing Silica

Overview of Materials Containing Silica

Silica occurs naturally in the earth, and it is a component of many construction and manufacturing materials. It is a health hazard only when it is airborne, and the crystalline silica particles are inhaled. Thousands of products contain silica (everything from makeup to pottery) but just containing silica does not make an item hazardous or a potential cause of illness. For example, soil and sand are made of silica, but walking across a field or a beach does not pose a health hazard due to silica.

Materials Containing Silica

The following materials contain silica and, when they are used in large quantities in a workplace, they may generate airborne crystalline silica particles. Continual and unprotected exposure to airborne silica may cause certain connective tissue diseases, including scleroderma. (Also see Silica and Autoimmune Diseases)

Abrasives
Coal Dust
Concrete
Dirt
Filter Aids
Graphite, natural
Mica
Mineral Products
Paints
Pavement

Source: Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Read more…

Silica occurs as a natural component of many materials used or encountered in construction activities. Crystalline silica is present in substantial quantities in sand, sandstone and granite, and often forms a significant proportion of clay, shale and slate. It can also be found in chalk, limestone and other rock and soil. Products such as concrete and mortar also contain crystalline silica. Health and Safety Executive.

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