In 1997, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that there was sufficient evidence for the carcinogenic role of quartz in humans and that silica dust exposure increased the risk of lung cancer in refractory brick, pottery, diatom, foundry, granite production and coal mine dust exposure, and free silica was identified as a definite human carcinogen (Class I).
Some dust workers are also smokers and may be at increased risk of developing lung cancer. Dust catchers are advised to take dust control seriously, stay away from tobacco and have regular occupational health monitoring.