Silica is a mineral found in sand, rocks, and soil. Silica dust is produced during work processes such as digging and blasting, or grinding, drilling, or sawing silica-containing materials. Silica is used as an abrasive, insulator, and filler in a number of industries. Silica causes a number of chronic diseases including lung cancer, silicosis (scarring of the lungs), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The Ontario Mining Exposure Database
Lung cancer and chronic respiratory disease in the Ontario mining industry
Evaluation of prevention strategies for reducing the burden of cancer in the Ontario construction industry
Occupational exposure limits for carcinogens in Ontario workplaces: Opportunities to prevent and control exposure
On April 28th, we remember and honour people who have lost their lives, been injured or suffer from illness due to their work.
To investigate the chronic respiratory disease and cancer experience of an Ontario hard rock mining cohort in relation to occupational factors such as duration of employment in mining and the type of mining performed, with follow-up of 18 years for respiratory disease and 53 years for cancer incidence and mortality.
