Silt
Silt
Silt (/sɪlt/; from Old English sylt, related to siltan "to filter") is a granular material of a size between sand and clay, whose mineral origin is quartz and feldspar. Silt may occur as a soil or as sediment mixed in suspension with water (also known as a suspended load) and soil in a body of water such as a river. It may also exist as soil deposited at the bottom of a water body, like mudflows from landslides. Silt has a moderate specific area with a typically non-sticky, plastic feel.
Medical Relevance
In the medical field, silt, specifically silt dust, can have significant health implications. Inhalation of silt dust can lead to a condition known as Silicosis, a lung disease caused by inhalation of tiny bits of silica, a mineral that is part of sand, rock, and mineral ores such as quartz. Over time, exposure to silica particles causes scarring in the lungs, which can harm your ability to breathe.
Related Terms
- Silicosis: A form of occupational lung disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust, and is marked by inflammation and scarring in the form of nodular lesions in the upper lobes of the lungs.
- Pneumoconiosis: A category of conditions caused by the inhalation of a certain dust. Silicosis is a type of pneumoconiosis.
- Quartz: A hard, crystalline mineral composed of silicon and oxygen atoms, commonly found in dust, sand, and rocks. Inhalation of quartz dust can lead to silicosis.
- Feldspar: A group of rock-forming tectosilicate minerals that make up about 41% of the Earth's continental crust by weight. Feldspar is a common mineral dust encountered in the environment.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Silt
- Wikipedia's article - Silt
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