Silicosis in India’s Mining Sector

Sub : Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to draft new guidelines for granting permissions for silica mining and washing plants.

What is Silicosis?

A preventable but incurable occupational lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica dust.
Classified as a pneumoconiosis, which is a group of lung diseases caused by inhalation of dust.

Causes

Prolonged exposure to respirable silica dust.
Mining, stone crushing, construction, sandblasting, and ceramic work.
Poor ventilation, lack of protective equipment, and unregulated working conditions.

Impacts

Chronic cough, breathlessness, fatigue, and increased susceptibility to tuberculosis.
Loss of livelihood due to inability to work and healthcare expenses.
Reduced quality of life and premature mortality.

India Context:

High occurrence among workers in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Jharkhand due to extensive mining activities.
Tribal populations and informal sector workers with limited access to healthcare.
Mines Act, 1952, and Factories Act, 1948, mandate safety measures.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has emphasized addressing silicosis as a public health crisis.

Rajasthan became the first state to establish a silicosis policy (2019). Compensation and welfare schemes for affected workers in various states.

Silicosis is listed as a priority disease by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020:

Employers must notify authorities about workers developing silicosis or other occupational diseases.
Non-compliance may attract penalties under the Code.
Free annual health checkups are mandated for workers in hazardous occupations like mining.
Employers are obligated to maintain a health surveillance system to detect occupational diseases early.
Qualified medical practitioners are required to report confirmed silicosis cases to the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator.
The aim is to ensure timely diagnosis and state intervention.
Emphasis on safe working conditions, including dust control systems and provision of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Regular inspection by authorities to ensure adherence to prescribed safety norms.
Affected workers are entitled to compensation under the Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923.

About Silica:

Silica, or silicon dioxide (SiO₂), is a naturally occurring mineral composed of silicon and oxygen.
Found abundantly in quartz, sand, and various rocks.

Forms of Silica:

Crystalline: Found in quartz, widely used in industries like mining, construction, and manufacturing.
Amorphous: Less hazardous, found in diatoms and some clays.

Uses:

Key ingredient in glass, ceramics, concrete, and electronics.
Utilized in sandblasting, water filtration, and the production of silicon chips.