A 7-year-old boy in Brazil died after playing in a mountain of limestone powder left by the side of the road, which apparently poisoned him after he inhaled it.
The tragic final photo of little Arthur Emanuel Bitencourt shows him giving a double thumbs-up while sitting in a pile of the fateful substance, which is commonly used in construction and agriculture, just minutes before it took his life on Aug. 3.
The boy was rushed to the hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Arthur reportedly jumped into the toxic dust at a family property in Ipiranga, Paraná, in Brazil’s southern region, according to Jornal Razão.
Medics said Bitencourt’s sudden death was a result of breathing in the powder, local media reported.
His family posted his final picture on social media as a tribute, but also as a warning and PSA to others.
“This photo was the last and taken a few minutes before his tragic death, caused by inhaling limestone, while playing… The memories I will have of you, my dear child, will always be the best,” the boy’s uncle Romaldo Bitencourt captioned the photo.
The family claimed they were unaware of the risks of exposure to the stone in its pulverized state, and local Civil Police are launching an investigation into the boy’s death.
Brazil’s Technological Research Institute (IPT) says limestone powder, or dust, can cause breathing problems and people should wear protective equipment if exposed.
The IPT warns that limestone has carcinogenic potential, especially if exposed to large quantities, and can cause lung damage, Jornal Razão reported.
Limestone in its crushed, pebble-sized form does not pose a health hazard if used properly and in proper conditions. However, when reduced further to powder or dust, limestone can release particles that do present an inhalation hazard, according to New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc.
The hazardous particle that is present in limestone is respirable crystalline silica, also known as quartz. Respirable crystalline silica is very small particles that are 100 times smaller than the ordinary sand you would find on the beach, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Inhalation of crystalline silica can lead to diseases including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney disease and silicosis.
Silicosis causes inflammation and scarring as the particles get trapped in the lung tissue, reducing the ability of the lungs to take in oxygen. The condition leads to permanent lung disease and could be fatal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Typically, chronic silicosis occurs after 10+ years of exposure, typically from workplace exposure — however, the disease can take over much more quickly with heavy exposure, the CDC says.
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