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Abrasive blast cleaning encompasses
a variety of methods that include the use of several types of media propelled by
water or air. The abrasives media vary widely, from Rice Hulls and Walnut Shells
to various Slag, Garnet and Steel Shot. Typical blast cleaning minerals include
Olivine, Specula, Hematite and Garnet. Man-made media used for blast cleaning include
Plastic, Coated Minerals, Recycled Glass, Steel Shot, Coal Slag, Copper Slag
and Nickel Slag.
For over 50 years, silica sand had been forbidden
to use in blasting because it causes Silicosis disease and it is very
dangerous for human health. Nowadays the Copper Slag is much more
economical, healthy and easy to use.
Silicosis is a form of
Occupational Lung Disease
caused by inhalation of crystalline
silica dust, and is marked by inflammation
and scarring in forms of nodular
lesions in the upper lobes of the lungs. It is a type of
pneumoconiosis, from pneumo (lung) and
konis (dust).
Silicosis
(particularly
the acute form) is characterized by shortness of breath, cough, fever, and
cyanosis (bluish skin). It may
often be misdiagnosed as pulmonary edema
(fluid in the lungs), pneumonia, or tuberculosis.
Silicosis
that develops 5–10 years after first exposure to higher
concentrations of silica dust.Symptoms and X-Ray findings are similar to chronic simple silicosis, but occur earlier
and tend to progress more rapidly. Patients with accelerated silicosis are at greater
risk for complicated disease, including progressive massive fibrosis (PMF).
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