Are You a Victim of
Silica Exposure?

Silica Exposure

Silica exposure occurs when dust that contains crystalline silica particles is inhaled. It is estimated that approximately 1,200,000 workers are exposed to silica each year. Silica, or silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral that is composed of one silicon atom and two oxygen atoms. When silica molecules line up and create a repeating pattern they form a crystal (crystalline silica). Different crystal patterns are given different names; the most common is quartz. Silica is a major component of sand and granite.

Materials that contain crystalline silica

The following is a list of construction materials that contain crystalline silica:

• Brick
  
• Blasting abrasives
  
• Concrete
  
• Cement mortar
  
• Granite
  
• Sandstone
  
• Slate
  
• Mineral deposits
  
• Rock and stone
  
• Sand
  
• Topsoil
  
• Asphalt

Occupations at high risk of silica exposure

Occupations that put workers at an increased risk of silica exposure include:

• Construction
  
• Demolition
  
• Mining
  
• Sandblasting
  
• Stone masonry
  
• Abrasives manufacturing
  
• Glass manufacturing
  
• Pottery
  
• Railroad track setting, laying, and repair
  
• Painting
  
• Plumbing

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to limit workers' exposure to crystalline silica by all available means, including water sprays, blasting cabinets, and ventilation systems.