I read last week that the number of silicosis cases is on the rise in Australia. Despite being "eradicated" in Canada, the disease remains a threat in India and many other countries. (Besides miners, garment workers in factories where jeans are sandblasted are also at risk.)
Silicosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling free silica fragments. Particles are generally 2.5 μm in size, although they can be less than 1.0 μm. Repeated and prolonged exposure causes scarring in the lungs and can lead to chronic respiratory disease. It was a considerable threat to Canadian gold miners until 40 years ago.
The report from Australia said no one has a firm understanding about the size of the problem. Are people going undiagnosed? Are present exposure guidelines inadequate? Are safety standards being met? Do miners understand what is a potentially dangerous dusty environment?
I haven't thought about silicosis in decades. That is a measure of how rare it has become in Canada. But if the disease is affecting more miners in other countries, we must be vigilant lest it resurfaces here.
If the World Health Organisation has its way, silicosis will be eradicated by 2030. That doesn't mean it won't return if we let our guard down.
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