A worker engaged in hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) is at increased risk for silicosis if certain risk factors are present.
The key risk factor for silicosis is a lack of respiratory protection. This may entail a failure to wear respiratory protection (either respirators not provided or use not enforced) OR not working in a closed cab with air filtration
Risk factors for exposure to silica if without respiratory protection:
(1) poor dust control
(2) use of pure silica as the proppant in the well
(3) frequent exposure
(4) working downwind from the silica offloading site
(5) involved in hot loading (refilling while machines are running)
A worker with other lung disease is more likely to be symptomatic if silicosis develops.
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