Reusable Respirators: Sustainable Protection from Silica Dust
A look at the good, the better and best respiratory protection.
- By Claudio Dente
- May 01, 2022
It’s common knowledge that there are many workplace hazards in industries like construction, mining and oil and gas engineering, but did you know that one of the most common and deadly risks is the exposure to silica dust?
What is Silica Dust?
Crystalline silica is a mineral that is found in natural materials like clay, sand, gravel, rock and stone. Quartz is the most common form of crystalline silica and in fact it is the second most common surface material accounting for almost 12 percent by volume of the earth’s crust. Quartz is present in many materials in the construction and landscaping industry such as brick and mortar, concrete, slate, dimensional stone (granite, sandstone) stone aggregate, tile and sand used for blasting. So, the most common materials used in building and landscaping all contain silica putting those who work with these materials at risk. Silica dust is released from these materials during high-energy operations like sawing, cutting, drilling, chipping, sanding and grinding. These fine particles of crystalline silica release into the air and become a hazardous respirable dust.
Exposure to Silica Dust
Silica dust exposure can occur during common construction tasks such as:
- Masonry saws
- Grinders
- Drills
- Jackhammers and handheld power tools,
- Operating vehicle-mounted chipping tools
- Operating crushing machines
- Using heavy equipment for demolition or certain tasks
Industries where employees are commonly exposed to silica dust include:
- Mining where large amounts of silica dust are generated during cutting and extracting of stone and become trapped in the ventilating air
- Cement production and handling (emptying or disposing of bags) and concrete cutting
- Oil and Gas Engineering
- Construction
- Masonry
- Asphalt manufacturing
- Demolition
- Foundry
- Abrasive Blasting
- Quarries
The Risks
Exposure to fine particle of silica has been shown to cause silicosis, a serious and sometimes fatal lung disease, lung cancer, other respiratory diseases and kidney disease. Review studies in 2020 even showed damage to genetic material in crystalline silica works with adverse health effects because of DNA instability. In 2021, the dangers of silica dust are clear, and proper respiratory protection for workers is a non-negotiable thanks to OSHA.
This article originally appeared in the May 2022 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.