Silica scars

Context: India’s growth aspirations have spurred the national mining industry to
extract more minerals for use in construction. One such mineral is silicon
dioxide, or silica, an important component of sand and stone. Mine workers
exposed to silica dust for many years have a heightened risk of developing
silicosis, wherein microscopic silica particles are lodged in lung tissue,
hampering their normal function. The risk of silicosis is age-agnostic and
determined by exposure and is chronic after onset. Thus, it threatens millions
of workers, many of them young.

Key points

·      
Overview: On November 29, the
National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Central Pollution Control Board to
draft new guidelines vis-à-vis “granting permission for [silica] mining and
washing plants”, and the Uttar Pradesh government and Pollution Control Board
to set up health-care facilities in areas with silica mines.

·      
Silicosis: Silicosis is a type of
pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica,
a common mineral found in sand, quartz and many other types of rock. Silicosis
mainly affects workers exposed to silica dust in jobs such as construction and
mining. There is no cure for silicosis, and it can be fatal (lead to death).

·      
Types of silicosis: Acute
silicosis — which develops within weeks or months of exposure to very high
levels of silica dust.

Accelerated silicosis — due to exposure to large
amounts of silica dust for less than 10 years.

Chronic silicosis — due to exposure to low
levels of silica dust for more than 10 years.

·      
About Silica Dust: Silica
(SiO2/silicon dioxide) is a crystal-like mineral found in various materials
such as soil, sand, concrete, mortar, granite, and artificial stone. When these
materials are cut or drilled, crystalline silica is released into the air as
very fine dust.

·      
Protective Measures: To mitigate
health risks, effective measures include - Engineering Controls: Using
water sprays and ventilation systems to reduce dust levels.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Ensuring
workers use masks and respirators.

Workplace Practices - Implementing protocols to
minimize dust generation and exposure.

·      
Impacts: Lack of Preventive
Measures - Despite known preventive measures, many workplaces still lack
adequate dust control and personal protective equipment.

Limited Treatment Options - There is no
cure for silicosis, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing
complications.

Socioeconomic Impact - Silicosis can lead to
significant economic hardship for affected workers and their families due to
lost wages and medical expenses.

Global Burden - The disease is a global
health problem, with developing countries often bearing the impact of the
burden due to limited resources and occupational safety regulations.

·      
Regulations: Governments and
regulatory bodies are gradually acknowledging the risks associated with silica
dust. (e.g. The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment hosts a ‘silicosis
portal’ for awareness and resources.) Silicosis is recognized as a notified
disease under the Mines Act (1952) and the Factories Act (1948).

Ø  Mines Act of
1952 - The Mines Act of 1952 limits the number of hours a person can work in a
mine, including above ground: No more than nine hours per day, Below ground: No
more than eight hours per day, Weekly: No more than 48 hours per week, Weekly
day of rest: No more than six days per week.

Ø  The Factories
Act (1948) mandates a well-ventilated working environment, measures for dust
protection, reduction of overcrowding, and provision of basic occupational
health care.

·      
Conclusion: Addressing
silicosis requires a multi-faceted approach involving improved workplace
safety, early detection, and support for affected workers. Silica dust poses
significant health risks, parallel to those historically associated with
asbestos. Enhancing protective measures and regulatory frameworks is essential
to safeguard workers in vulnerable industries.