LA EXPOSICIÓN A SÍLICE CRISTALINA EN CONSTRUCCIÓN: UN RIESGO NUEVO Y EMERGENTE.

Abstract

Crystalline silica (crystallized silicon dioxide: SiO2) is a chemical agent found in the form of quartz and / or cristobalite in many materials used in the construction sector. When materials containing crystalline silica are subjected during the construction process to processes such as cutting, polishing or like, they give off fine dust particles between which the crystalline silica is found. This fraction is called Respirable Crystaline Silica (RCS) and exposure of workers to this RCS can lead to respiratory diseases such as silicosis, tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and even lung cancer. The appearance of this chemical compound in construction materials poses a new risk to the health and safety of workers or increases existing risks, assuming an increase in exposure or severity of effects on workers. These risks are called new and emerging risks. The objective of this communication is the realization of an identification of materials used in construction that can release respirable crystalline silica and characterize in each case the new and emerging risk