Why is Silica dangerous and which respirators should be used?

Silica dust inhalation may cause diseases such as ”silicosis”, which is an chronic lung disease. It may also take many years (10-30) before the disease is detected after being exposed to silica. The disease mainly affects people who work in construction, foundries, mining and quarries. Use respiratory protection unless the silica dust level can be kept below the limit 0.1 mg/m3. Respiratory protection should be at least a half mask respirator with P3 filter that is effective against silica dust.