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Silicosis is caused by the inhalation of fine dust created by dry drilling of hard rock such as granite that is host to the St. Lawrence fluorspar veins.

In the cemeteries of St. Lawrence and several neighbouring towns on the remote South Coast of Newfoundland lie the remains of some 200 workers killed by industrial diseases. Silicosis and lung cancer, contracted in the fluorspar mine that operated in the area from the 1930s to the 1970s, exacted a deadly price among the region's workers.

The most devastating and ultimate price the people of St. Lawrence, Lawn, Little St. Lawrence and the surrounding area paid for the prosperity of mining over the years was widespread industrial disease and numerous deaths. Archival records show that as early as 1936, miners were concerned about their health due to the large amounts of dust generated by dry-drilling and poor working conditions. It took decades before anything was done. The move from open-trench to underground mining in the late 30s brought some protection from the cold and other elements, yet, it exposed the miners to considerable dust. The mines in St. Lawrence were wet thereby causing constant flooding. The miners cursed the groundwater for making them cold and wet although it supressed the dust in some areas.

Hazards started to increase at the St. Lawrence mines in both number and gravity as open-pit mining became impractical at various sites and operations were moved underground. Shafts were sunk to depths of several hundred feet and horizontal tunnels known as "drifts" drilled and blasted at various levels along the shaft. Workers were now exposed to additional health hazards associated with the complete absence of ventilation and the thick dust generated by dry drilling and blasting operations. Workers had little choice but tolerate such conditions, even when they believed that their health was being damaged. One former miner who started working underground in 1938 stated that "Everyone knew there was something not right, but you had no other choice but work."

During the summer, all of the Corporation underground workers endured stomach ailments, which was later identified by Public Health and Welfare as been caused by "a high state of water pollution" in the underground mines.

As Well, in 1941, miners complained to the Newfoundland Trade Dispute board about foul air in the mines. The board found no evidence of foul air since there had been no blasting for days. Neither did they observe any dust from air hammers because Iron Springs was not working at the time. The Union had asked for X-Ray examinations to determine occupational lung disease.

28 years later a Royal Commission determined the request for X- Rays was the union's most important request. Initially, miners were treated for tuberculosis and silicosis. 'Silica Dust' accumulates on the lungs and other bronchial areas, and scar tissue builds up. As the occupational disease progress, breathing becomes more difficult and lung capacity decreases, until the victim suffocates from a condition known as "silicosis". Many miners, suspected of having tuberculosis, were treated for that disease but died shortly after.
In the early 60s, the presence of a new and even more deadly hazard-radon gas was confirmed. It was discovered that miners and ex-miners suffered from an abnormally high incidence of cancer caused by over exposure to radon daughters.

The radon gas was released during mining operations and tended to build up in non-ventilated areas. As a result, efforts were then undertaken to adequately ventilate the mines, to remove the threats of dust and radon gas, hence, regular air monitoring was introduced.

Health Care in St. Lawrence was primitive during the War years; St. Lawrence had no resident doctor or Hospital. In case of sickness or accident, the patient was either taken to Burin or the Burin Doctor had to visit St. Lawrence by boat.

Dr. Brian Hollywood, Senior Medical Officer of the U.S Memorial Hospital, St. Lawrence had the arduous task of diagnosing and treating the men of the St. Lawrence Mines. He is recorded in a journal as saying, "They are unique and courageous people. I have never heard a miner complain. I have to ask them; 'where do you feel the pain?' and only then will they will tell me. To the end they do their best to remain cheerful."

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St. Lawrence Cemetery with Memorial Miner's Museum in the background
1933-1978
St. Lawrence, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

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End of a shift underground
1933-1978
St. Lawrence, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada