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    Introduction
    Silicosis
    Cancer and other diseases 

Quarries, concrete and asphalt plants threaten air quality and the health of workers and local residents by emitting "particulate matter" into the air.  Particulate matter is any particle that is suspended in the air---either solid or liquid.  

In the future, more information about airborne dust will be found here.

The most common solid particle that is emitted into the air in a quarry is granite dust.  Granite dust contains silica, a glass substance.  Silica dust is produced when rock is blasted or drilled. It has long been known that silica dust causes silicosis, an irreversible, progressive, incurable, and at later stages fatal lung disease.

References

Read this paper by Duke University and the U.S. Department of Labor, on Silicosis, who is at risk, and how it can be prevented.

This OSHA Website provides technical links and information about Silicosis compiled by the U.S. Occupational and Health Administration (OSHA).

Granite dusts and concrete dusts may also cause cancer. (IARC, 1997). As well, several studies show that dust exposure can cause cardiovascular (heart) diseases (Seaton, et. al. 1995).  Also known to be caused by concrete dusts are inflammation of the lungs, allergic reactions, and dermatoses (skin diseases).

The Clean Air Act (CAA) directs the EPA to set air quality standards to protect the public.