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Why is unprotected sandblasting especially dangerous?

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Asbestosis — occupational disease The lung disease asbestosis is caused primarily by prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibers. It occurs mainly among workers whose occupations involve exposure to asbestos and people who live near mines, factories, and construction sites.

Unprotected sandblasting is exceptionally dangerous because it exposes workers to high concentrations of silica dust, which can lead to silicosis, a chronic and incurable respiratory disease.12

When inhaled, these tiny silica particles—particularly those between one and three microns in diameter—penetrate deep into the lungs. Once inside, they are ingested by macrophages, which are cells responsible for protecting the body from foreign invaders. Because the silica cannot be digested, it kills these cells, triggering the formation of fibrous tissue nodules that progressively damage and distort the lung structure.12

This process reduces lung elasticity and volume, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and weakness. In severe cases, unprotected sandblasting has been linked to fatal instances of acute silicosis. Because there is no curative treatment for the resulting fibrosis, the use of proper respiratory protection and ventilation is a fundamental ethical requirement to prevent permanent disability and death.12