Is silicon dioxide harmful to the human body?

Silica is a silica-like substance that we come into contact with in our daily lives. It is also present in the air. Especially during cement production, we often encounter silica substances. People who have been engaged in cement work for a long time also have a high intake of silica. People who work in this field must take protective measures. So, is silica harmful to the human body? Let’s take a look.

Silicon dioxide, also known as silica, is a hard, insoluble solid. It often appears in three variants: quartz, tridymite, and cristobalite. Silica has important uses in daily life, production and scientific research, but it can sometimes cause harm to the human body. Although silica is non-toxic, it does not mean it is absolutely harmless.

Inhalation of silica dust can cause silicosis because it cannot be absorbed by the lungs and can only be deposited, eventually leading to lung fibrosis, inability to absorb oxygen, and ultimately suffocation. This is a very serious occupational disease that is prevalent in mines, quarries, cement industries, etc. where there is a lack of necessary protection. There is currently no very effective treatment for this disease, and we can only control its development

Silica made into filaments (i.e. things like glass fiber and asbestos) can easily pierce the skin when it comes in contact with the human body and remain inside the body, causing unrelieved stinging and itching. Although most of these conditions will resolve naturally, long-term exposure to such substances may lead to serious consequences such as blood vessel blockage and joint damage.

Through the above introduction, we now know that silica is harmful to the human body and can cause serious lung cancer. Friends who usually work in this field must pay attention to protection. In addition, in our daily lives, we must also pay attention to taking protective measures when the air quality is poor, and we must also pay attention to exercise.