Here's a look at six substances that are highly capable of causing lung damage:
1. Crystalline silica
Crystalline silica is a component of soil, sand, and rocks (like granite and quartzite). Only quartz and cristobalite silica that can be inhaled as particles are designated known carcinogens.
Where is it found?
In the air during mining, cutting, and drilling.
Drywall mud, household cleaners, paints, glass, brick, ceramics, silicon metals in electronics, plastics, paints, and abrasives in soaps.
Occupations most at risk:
Quarry workers, plasterers, drywallers, construction workers, brick workers, miners, stonecutters (including jewellery), workers involved in drilling, polishing, and crushing, pottery makers, glassmakers, soap or detergent manufacturers, farmers, dentists, and auto workers.
2. Wood dust
Wood dust is made up of particles of wood that are created by cutting and sanding.
Where is it found?
Anywhere wood is chipped, turned, drilled, or sanded.
Occupations most at risk:
Those in the construction industry, and to some extent, those in the logging industry. Specific occupational settings that typically involve significant exposure include furniture/cabinetry shops, timber mills, window/door manufacturers, joinery shops, wooden boat manufacturers, and pulp and paper manufacturers.
3. Asbestos
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that form heat-resistant fibers.
Where is it found?
Naturally in rock formations.
In some auto parts like brakes, gaskets, and friction products.
In some industrial textiles.
In some safety clothing.
Occupations most at risk:
Asbestos miners, brake repair mechanics, building demolition or maintenance workers, carpenters, cabinetmakers, construction workers, electricians, plumbers, plaster and drywall installers, auto mechanics.
4. Chromium (hexavalent)
Chromium is a naturally occurring mineral that becomes carcinogenic when it is transformed into its hexavalent form through industrial processes.
Where is it found?
In the manufacturing of stainless steel and other alloys.
In the industrial wood preservative, CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate).
Used in small amounts in printer ink toners, textile dyes, and during water treatment.
Occupations most at risk:
Welders while welding stainless steel, printing machine and press operators, machinists, and pipefitters.
5. Nickel and its compounds
Metallic nickel, a possible carcinogen, is a silver-like, hard metal or grey powder. Nickel compounds, known carcinogens, tend to be green to black, but yellow when heated.
Where is it found?
Used to make stainless steel, and also found in magnets, electrical contacts, batteries, spark plugs, and surgical/dental prostheses.
Occupations most at risk:
Welders, construction millwrights, industrial mechanics, metal spraying workers, machinists, machining/tooling inspectors, nickel refinery workers, iron/steel mill workers, metal ore miners, and manufacturers in structural metals, motor vehicle parts, boilers, and shipping containers.
6. Formaldehyde
Associated cancers:
Nasopharyngeal cancer, leukemia
What is it?
A colorless, combustible gas with a pungent odour.
Where is it found?
Used in the manufacture of textiles, resins, wood products, and plastics.
As a preservative, formaldehyde is found in embalming fluid.
As a preservative and disinfectant, it's used in soaps, shampoos, deodorants, mouthwash, and cosmetics.
Occupations most at risk:
Embalmers, pathology lab operators, wood and paper product workers, and health care professionals (nurses, dentists) exposed during use of medicinal products that contain formaldehyde. Also at risk are painters, manual labourers, product assemblers, foundry workers, and those who teach in cadaver laboratories.
Source: Dr. Ben Kim
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