Worried about silicosis

[Hebrews2]

I'm new here and concerned, worried, paranoid, call it what you will. 5days ago I cut a 2m channel in a plaster wall wfor some cables with an angle grinder. I did have a small paper mask but in hindsight it was not appropriate. There was dust everywhere. I showered straight after the work but since then I have had a sore and muscle type aches in my chest. My worry is silicosis.

[HungryHufflepuff]

Hello and welcome. 😊

Can you get silicosis from such a relatively short exposure to dust, or so soon afterward? I’m not being dismissive of your question, I just thought it was something that developed years after long term exposure. But I really don’t know much about silicosis. It is worrying though. In the past people seemed to stand in a cloud of dust using power tools and not be concerned about it. Now that we’re more aware of the potential dangers of breathing in dust it’s a lot to worry about. Do you think your aches could be caused by wielding the angle grinder?

[hypercat54]

I think it would be impossible to get this from one exposure so relax x

nhs.uk/conditions/silicosis/

[Caspiana]

Hello Hebrews2 .

Awful stuff to breathe in. The only way to alleviate your worry is to see a doctor about it and discuss your worries. They will be able to monitor things and let you know if anything is amiss. I don't know a thing about Silicosis but unknown people mainly get it by inhaling silica dust long term.

Take care of yourself.

Cas xx 🙋🐕

[SecondLife]

it should take years to manifest itself, my husband was exposed to asbestos when he was aged 18, the illness did not show up until he was aged 63

[Schmicter]

Having worked in the plaster and cement industry for years, I've known many with very prolonged exposures, talking years of daily exposure and no silicosis. Paper and or dust masks are appropriate for dusts.

[Hebrews2]

Thank you one and all for your supportive comments. Heb 2