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What Causes Irritation In The Mouth And Nose After Exposure To Glass Dust?

Posted on Fri, 3 Mar 2017

Question: I started a new hobby making a stained glass window. I had to sand down some edges and was exposed to glass dust. Total exposure was about 4 hours over three days. I have some irritation in my mouth and nose. How concerned should I be about silicosis?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Not much!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your fears but the total duration of exposure is minimal to cause any significant lung damage. However, always consider wearing a mask whenever you would be exposed too industrial and environmental particles. This irritation would certainly subside but requires some few days to do so.

I hope this clarifies your worries. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (8 days later)

Does glass dust the same as asbestos?
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It depends on what the glass is made of!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Asbestos is a substance which was popular in manufacturing construction materials. That is not commonly used for glass production. You can only get dust asbestos from a glass if it were used but that is very unlikely. I will say NO, it is unlikely that you would have inhaled asbestos from such an environment.

I wish you well. Keep me posted.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj