Inhalation of silica dust can lead to serious health problems, including cancer. When silica particles are inhaled, they can lodge in the lung tissue and cause inflammation and scarring. Over time, this can lead to a condition known as silicosis. Chronic inflammation and damage to lung tissue are contributing factors in the development of lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified crystalline silica as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is sufficient evidence to conclude that it is carcinogenic to humans.
