Question

I sandblasted in heavey dust for 3 weeks we use alumn oxide blast.I can not find out anything about the dangers of this sand.I have been having chest pains for a while just wondered if this could cause.I have had Hrct,Ct,Xrays all have been clear.Been to a pulmonary dr cant figure what causes the pain in both lower ribs.I have had shortness of breat during exercise.I have had a sperimeter test all been normal.My oxgen level stays abou 94 97I was wondering what could be done about the chronic pain.Thanks  

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hello again,

The toxicity (danger) of aluminum oxide is some what controversial as is described in the linked document (http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp22-c3.pdf) from the ATSDR. Just search the document for "aluminum oxide" and that will take you to the pertinent parts of the document.

When was your potential exposure to aluminum oxide? Did you wear a "dust mask" or respirator (cartridge or otherwise)? Do you know what other substances were in the blasting material? Did you have symptoms of difficulty breathing or wheezing around the time when you did sand blasting?

You have written here on medhelp.org that your imaging studies (HRCT, xray, CT) have all been clear. So, it is unlikely that you have fibrosis or scarring in your lung tissue.

More about your symptoms of pain.....

Do your ribs hurt all of the time? or, do you have pain only with inhaling (breathing in)?

~•~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.