Exams / HS&E Operatives / Respiratory risks and silica dust / Question 4
HS&E Operatives practice question: Respiratory risks and silica dust (4 of 7) B. Occupational health A free question from our original HS&E Operatives practice exam. Try it, then open the answer to see why each option is right or wrong.
Last verified October 2026 against HSE guidance and the law ·How we write our questions
A workmate says: "I've been cutting blocks for years without a mask and I feel fine."
Why is silica dust still a risk to them?
Choose one answer.
A A. It is only a risk for people with asthma alreadyB B. It isn't, if you have not felt any effects yetC C. It only makes your clothes dirtyD D. It can cause deadly lung diseases laterShow the answer and explanation Answer: D
A. Wrong: Wrong. Silica dust can harm anyone who breathes it in regularly.B. Wrong: Wrong. The diseases often build up over many years before any symptoms appear.C. Wrong: Wrong. Fine silica dust gets deep into the lungs.D. Right: Right. HSE says regular exposure to silica dust can cause lung cancer, silicosis, COPD and asthma. These can be permanent and fatal.Explanation Silica dust can cause serious lung diseases that develop slowly and can't be cured. Control the dust every time.
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