Few rules govern blasting Eastern Poconos Community News, PA
A constant danger facing blasters is silica. This causes a condition known as silicosis, one of the oldest known occupational diseases.

This is caused by glass or sand particles that can become airborne when a rock is drilled to place explosives inside. It is when a blaster inhales these silica that serious health problems arise.

The particles actually are inhaled into the lungs, where they leave scares and over time the individual loses the ability to oxygenate blood.

Today blasters must stop silica from hitting the air. They do this by putting water on the drill bit while it runs. The water prevents the silica from coming out as airborne dust. Newer, better quality drills have a built-in dust collector.