Silica sand dangers

Silica sand, which is often turned into a gel and put into handbags and electronic goods to soak up moisture, has become the latest substance to join a list of toxic products worrying underwriters.

One of the UK?s largest insurance brokers, said individuals extracting silica or working on manufacturing sites may be overexposed to the product, which could lead to silicosis - "a disabling, non-reversible and sometimes fatal lung disease". Other problems can include lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, airway diseases, autoimmune disorders and chronic renal disease.

The broker has added silica to its toxic substances database, which lists materials troubling the insurance and reinsurance industry. Asbestos and tobacco are also on the list, as is toxic mould - a fungus that grows on walls and carpets, and can lead to respiratory problems.  The Insurance Broker said the potential for class action is "possible".

While there has been no medical evidence of a link between silica gel and silicosis, reinsurers are investigating whether exposure to silica sand could lead to numerous insurance claims.

Deputy chairman of one of the world's largest reinsurance broker, said his company is conducting research into silica. He said: "It is a common product in a natural environment but it starts to get hazardous if it is cut and the dust particles get in the air. The big question is, is it the next asbestos? We think it is probably not but it raises a number of similar issues."

Silica is used in the stone masonry business, for glass production and pool-filter sand. Ground silica is "ideal for plastics and rubber, polishes and cleansers, glassfibre and precision castings."

Fine-ground silica is a high-quality filler used in paints and coatings.

The Telegraph, 20th September, 2004

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