iQ Power Tools Steps Up Against Silicosis
MORENO VALLEY, Calif. — iQ Power Tools, a manufacturer of stone-and-tile tools with integrated dust-collection systems, is partnering with the American Lung Association to raise awareness of the dangers of silica dust through a new educational initiative, “Understanding Silicosis.”
As part of “Understanding Silicosis,” a video will be created featuring a healthcare provider discussing silicosis. It will include a variety of related topics such as risk factors, causes, prevention, symptoms and treatments, and will be available online.
Silicosis is a lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica, which is part sand, rock and mineral ores such as quartz. It can workers such as stone/tile contractors, masons and others who are exposed to silica dust on the jobsite. Over time, exposure to silica particles causes scarring in the lungs, harming one’s ability to breathe.
“With over two million U.S. workers potentially exposed to occupational silica, more is needed to be done to bring awareness to the risk of developing silicosis,” said Paul Guth, iQ Power Tools president. “By teaming up with the American Lung Association, we can expand our reach and take the message of awareness to individual workers in the construction industry even further than before.”
The new partnership with the American Lung Association also includes a companywide Employee Giving Campaign to fully engage iQ Power Tools and demonstrate the commitment of its employees to lung health.
“With hundreds of silica-related deaths per year, our company decided it was time to ‘up our game’ in education and awareness,” added Sarah Hurtado, iQ’s Marketing Manager. “This is the beginning of what we hope will be a long-term partnership to develop, deliver and promote tools and resources that actively engage people and construction workers in lung disease prevention and disease management. ”
iQ Power Tools manufactures a comprehensive range of premium power tools with integrated dust collection systems for the concrete, masonry, hardscape, stone and tile sectors. The company was founded by third-generation masons Joel and Paul Guth, who have logged over 30 years each in the masonry industry.
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