Effects of SiO2 in Turkish natural stones on cancer development.

In materials science, one of the new concerns in the construction industry, it is well established that mineral dust from rocks (stones) has adverse effects on human health. For instance, it is suspected that some mineral dusts in particular leads to occupational diseases, including lung cancer. The present research concerned the relationship between cancer and those workers who work in Turkish construction industry and quarries and are exposed to silica mineral dust from natural stones. One focus was cancer prevention methods applied in-site. In mining and construction industry where stone dust is widely used, silicosis induced lung cancer is frequently seen. Cancer cases which are seen across the regions mostly affected by silica containing dust in Turkey were identified and a survey was conducted of the methods to protect workers in the construction industry from exposure to silica dust.