Overview
Silicosis is caused by exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust. Crystalline silica is a basic component of soil, sand, granite and most other types of rock, and it is used as an abrasive blasting agent. Silicosis is a progressive, disabling and often fatal lung disease. Cigarette smoking adds to the lung damage caused by silica.
Sources of Exposure
Sandblasting for surface preparation.
Crushing and drilling rock and concrete.
Masonry and concrete work (e.g., building and road construction and repair).
Mining/tunneling; demolition work.
Cement and asphalt pavement manufacturing.
Safe Work Practices
Use all available engineering controls and local exhaust ventilation. Avoid using compressed air for cleaning surfaces.
Use water sprays, wet methods for cutting, chipping, drilling, sawing, grinding, etc.
Substitute noncrystalline silica blasting material.
Use respirators approved for protection against silica; if sandblasting, use abrasive blasting respirators.
Do not eat, drink or smoke near crystalline silica dust.
Wash hands and face before eating, drinking or smoking away from exposure area.