Inhaled a substantial amount of sanded grout. Feeling shortness of breath,throat irritation. Can you help?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a question in regards to pulmonology and exposure to crystalline silica. 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 is 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 was not an ordinary project. I am 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, it did not even cross our minds how dangerous it was.

I poured 3, 25 lbs bags (totally 75 lbs) of polyblend sanded grout on the floor and stood at about 8 feet distance away from the model.

She (the model) grabbed handfuls of this stuff and tossed it towards the camera and in other different directions.

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 did not have problems of breathing or talking in the room.

The shoot lasted for 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 square feet room with a little fan blowing and with 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 have been feeling shortness of breath, throat irritation and tightening of the chest.

I have 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 which I have mentioned, with no respiratory mask, dangerous?

I have read that these tiny particles can penetrate through the defenses of the lung and start scarring it in the long run.

I have 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 would like some honest and thorough explanation of my chances on these long term lung issues.

I have attached the details of the polyblend sanded grout and its safety data sheet. After 3 weeks from the shoot, I have been experiencing chest pains, shortness of breath and dry cough. I have had chest x-rays, EKG's and visited urgent care doctors. Everything came back as normal, so I am not sure of what is going on. Instead I was diagnosed with sinus infection and acid reflux causing stomach pain as well. I have requested the doctor to do a PFT (Pulmonary Function Test).

I have not been able to eat or sleep properly and I have been worrying about this.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have surfed your links and understood your problem in detail. (attachments removed to protect patient identity)
After silica exposure you are suffering from what is called as acute silicosis.
Acute silicosis results from short term exposure to very large amounts of silica.
Acute silicosis follows massive exposure to dust in unregulated environments.
The symptoms are shortness of breath after exercising and a harsh, dry cough and troubled breathing.
And the patients might cough up blood as the disease progresses, along with trouble in sleeping, chest pain, hoarseness, and loss of appetite.
Silicosis patients are at high risk for tuberculosis (TB) if anytime suffered TB in lifetime.
The lungs become very inflamed and may be filled with fluid, causing severe shortness of breath and low blood oxygen levels.
Treatment of acute silicosis is symptomatic. There is no cure for silicosis.
Treatment is intended to relieve symptoms, treat complications, and prevent respiratory infections.
It includes careful monitoring for signs of TB.
Respiratory symptoms may be treated with bronchodilators (inhaler treatment ), increased fluid intake, steam inhalation and chest physiotherapy.
Patients with severe breathing difficulties may be given oxygen therapy.
Most important thing you should do is to prevent further exposure to free silica dust.
Also avoid other dusty environments especially areas of high concentrations of fumes and quit smoking (in case if you smoke).
You should get immunized against influenza (Flu) and pneumococcal pneumonia.
No specific therapy for silicosis cures or alters the course of the disease.
Corticosteroids are tried with some benefit.
Many patients who have latent tuberculosis infections (i.e, positive tuberculin skin test result without active disease) are treated with Isoniazid.
If the doctors diagnosed silicosis with active tuberculosis (i.e, Mycobacterium tuberculosis identified in smear or culture), then that patient is usually treated very aggressively with the appropriate TB drugs.
So plenty of fluid intake, vaccination and symptomatic treatment is advised to be continued.

Take care and get well soon.

Revert back to a pulmonologist online for further follow up.