Question: I have a question in regards to pulmonology and exposure to crystalline silica. I have asked this question here before but I'd like a detailed second opinion. I have done a ton of research on the internet regarding this subject and probably know as much as anyone can know based solely on internet information. So I am hoping someone with a more advanced knowledge of this toxin can give me some information.

Here's my story
I recently worked on a project involving sanded grout that contains high amounts of crystalline silica (40 -70%). Unfortunately I inhaled a substantial amount without realizing the contents of grout and the effects of silica until further research after the project. This wasn't an ordinary project. I'm a photographer and this was a photo shoot at a studio. We used it as powder and threw it in the air to capture the dust clouds in the photos. When we purchased this at Home Depot, it didn't even cross our minds how dangerous it was. I poured 3, 25lb bags (75lb total) of polyblend sanded grout on the floor and stood at about 8 foot distance away from the model. she grabbed handfuls of this stuff and tossed it towards the camera and in other different directions. The shoot lasted 2 hours and we stayed to clean up for 2 hours afterwards (sweeping). It was 75 pounds of sanded grout and 100 pounds of mortar in a 2100 sq/ft room with a little fan blowing and little ventilation. The dust got on everything and the air was thick with dust the entire time. We had about 3-4 hours of exposure to this with no masks. My ignorance has put a huge scare on me. I've been feeling shortness of breathe, throat irritation and tightening of the chest.

(The grout was tossed in the air towards me throughout the shoot. The air was quite cloudy in the room regardless of the size. I tossed the grout in front of me several times with my bare hands as well. But I didn't have problems breathing or talking in the room.)

I've been doing some thorough research myself but the amount of silica inhaled to be considered high concentration (enough to cause lung cancer or silicosis years from now) is a little unclear. Is the amount I mentioned with no respiratory mask dangerous? I've read that these tiny particles can penetrate through the defenses of the lung and start scarring it in the long run. I've also read that it is possible to have acute silicosis through a single lethal exposure to crystalline silica. I know too much research is bad for a hypochondriac like me but I'd like some honest and thorough explanation of my chances on these long term lung issues.

The Polyblend Sanded Grout was purchased at Home Depot and is a much finer grout that contains 40-70% (seems really high to me). Here is the link to the safety data sheet.

http://www.custombuildingproducts.com/media/740155/polyblend_sanded_grout_english_15-mar-2013.pdf

And this is the link to the product.
http://www.custombuildingproducts.com/products/grout-materials/cement-grout/polyblend/polyblend-sanded-grout.aspx

This is the exposure equation.
((10 mg/m3)/(%SiO2+2) TWA (resp))
((30 mg/m3)/(%SiO2+2) TWA (total))
((250)/(%SiO2+5) mppcf TWA (resp))
Symptoms may not appear immediately.

Fast forward 3 weeks from the shoot. I experience chest pains, shortness of breath, and dry coughs. I've had chest x-rays, EKG's and visited 2 urgent care doctors as well as an ER doctor. Everything came back normal so I'm not sure what is going on. Instead I was diagnosed with sinus infection and acid reflux cause of stomach pains as well. I've requested to do a PFT (pulmonary function test). Haven't been able to eat or sleep properly just worrying about this.

Thanks for your response. I've been prescribed medication from my doctors for acid reflux and sinus infection. Cephalexin 500 MG and Ranitidine 300 MG.

Did you get a chance to check out the safety data sheet of the grout that I used?
They don't give a specific number of crystalline silica percentage but it says it's from 40-70%. Isn't that extremely high and enough to be lethal?

If these particles landed in my lungs and scar it throughout the years, should I be worried about it progressively causing damage in the future? Should I avoid strenuous exercises?
I have attached a screen shot to the "new report" section of a diagnosis I just got from a Doctor at icliniq.com. It can't really be that bad can it?

When do signs of acute silicosis show up on x-ray?
I had the x-ray done 3 weeks after exposure.

I haven't experienced coughing, chest pains today and yesterday. shortness of breath may be caused by so much anxiety on the matter.

But I'd like to ask, is 40-70% a lethal exposure to be exposed to? I've read articles saying that a single lethal exposure is enough to cause acute. Bronchoscopic examination is different than the PFT? I'm doing the PFT tomorrow afternoon.

Hello Doctor,

I've done my PFT yesterday and although I haven't had a proper result reading from my doctors, I was shown my results at the time and it seemed fine. I scored between 90-110 percent.

My cough has subsided and I haven't noticed shortness of breath since I started treating my stomach with Omeprazol 20mg the last couple of days.

I am however still feeling bloated and dull stomach pains all day long.
I have read studies and forums showing that crystalline silica is not only related to lung issues but stomach cancer as well. A lot of cases have been reported in the past and I was wondering if you knew anything about it?

Hey Doctor,

Thanks for responding.

Question 1 - I had gastritis problems when I was a child but I haven't had anything of the sort for the last 10+ years.

Question 2 - No I have not undergone upper GIscopy.

My stomach felt bloated and disturbed for a week and I thought it was due to anxiety from that grout/mortar exposure. Then, after the Cephalexin 500 MG and Ranitidine 300 MG plus stress and anxiety it got worse. I think those antibiotics didn't sit well with me. Bloated all day, dull pain after eating very little and nauseous for 2 days. I stopped taking antibiotics and ranitidine and began to take omeprazol for 3 days. My stomach has calmed down since then. It still feels disturbed and bloated but only slightly. I haven't been on omeprazol for very long.

So stomach problems are due to high exposure over a long period of time too?
They feel a lot like GERD symptoms when I look it up.

I've read on a health forum of a guy exposed to 2-3 hours of crystalline silica like me, renovating his bathroom. Fast forward a year and he's still dealing with tightness in the chest, a bit of a tough time taking a really deep breath, and having terrible GERD symptoms. I guess every case is different but I can relate at the moment.

Smoker? No
Alcohol? No, I used to be a drink socially but haven't for the last 2 years.
Painkillers? No

Upper GIscopy? I think I can handle GERD if this is what it is. It's the silica induced damage I'm scared of. Since it's such an invasive process and my doctor already thinks I'm crazy for suggesting so many tests, he might not let me go through with it. I may ask for it if my stomach doesn't feel better in a couple weeks.

As long as I know that I don't have significant silica damage to cause long lasting illnesses, I could wait it out. I'm already feeling better with the Omeprazol and changing to a cleaner diet. What do you think?