Brick, mortar, sand, slate, stone, and other substances may all contain quartz, and quartz, in turn, may contain silica. Thus, it is unlikely for a Virginia construction worker to avoid working with silica. It is simply part of the everyday materials present on many construction sites. That said, it is important to know the risks posed by silica, how exposure to silica can be managed, and how to contact an experienced Fauquier County construction injury attorney if you get sick from silica exposure.
Silica Presents Risks
Breathing small particles of silica into your lungs may result in serious lung diseases such as silicosis or lung cancer. It may also contribute to other types of serious systemic diseases. The effects of silica exposure may be irreversible. Thus, it may be too late to recover from exposure if you are already sick. Instead, it is important to try to avoid breathing in silica, even when your work requires you to be around the substance.
To that end, you may be able to avoid the serious health consequences of silica exposure if:
- Dust on the construction site is well controlled.
- Ventilation systems are working.
- You are wearing a mask or other protective gear that allows you to breathe without allowing dangerous silica particles into your blood.
While these precautions may not be 100% effective, they may be useful and may protect you from a potentially incurable or fatal disease.
Call a Fauquier County Construction Lawyer if You Get Sick from Silica
If you have gotten sick because of exposure to silica on Virginia construction sites, then you may be entitled to legal relief. You may be able to recover damages for your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
To find out more about your rights and your potential damages, we invite you to contact our Fauquier County construction injury attorneys directly. We can be reached at 540-341-0007 or 888-907-2631 or via this website to schedule a FREE consultation.
