Magma Patchbound Kit

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

The main health hazard from natural aggregates is airborne dust. Increased levels of dust are generated by mechanical treatment of natural aggregates, or products containing natural aggregates, i.e. cutting and surface treatment of hardened concrete. Inhalation of respirable dust over a prolonged period can be harmful to health. Where respirable dust contains high quantities of free silica in the form of quartz, there is a risk of developing silicosis. The main symptoms of this chronic disease are difficulty in breathing and coughing. Long-term prolonged exposure to high levels of respirable crystalline silica, which can arise from a failure to implement adequate control measures, can also lead to an increased risk of developing lung cancer.