Which Workers Are Most at Risk of Silicosis Exposure?

1. Construction Workers

Construction professionals are among the most frequently diagnosed with silicosis. Tasks such as drilling into concrete, jackhammering, dry cutting, or sawing engineered stone generate airborne silica particles. Despite OSHA regulations, many construction environments still lack sufficient dust controls and personal protective equipment (PPE), placing workers in direct harm’s way.

2. Miners

Both surface and underground mining activities disturb silica-rich rock and soil. In mines, especially those producing coal, metal ores, or gravel, confined workspaces increase dust accumulation. Without adequate filtration and protection, miners are at elevated risk.

3. Stone Fabricators and Countertop Installers

Quartz and engineered stone countertops are made with high concentrations of crystalline silica. When fabricators cut or polish these materials—particularly with dry-cutting techniques—they release extremely fine particles into the air. This industry has seen a growing number of silicosis cases, particularly among young workers.

4. Foundry Workers and Sandblasters

Silica sand is used to shape and finish metal castings. The process of sandblasting and metalworking often creates clouds of dust containing respirable silica. Without proper ventilation or PPE, the lungs can suffer irreversible damage.

5. Oil and Gas Workers

Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) uses silica sand to keep underground rock formations open. Transporting, mixing, or pouring this sand produces heavy concentrations of dust—often in areas lacking proper respiratory protection protocols.

6. Demolition and Renovation Crews

Tearing down old buildings, removing tiles, or drilling into concrete walls often stirs up large volumes of silica dust. In older structures, the lack of updated safety controls places demolition workers and remodelers at even greater risk.