DID YOU KNOW?
About 2.3 million people in the U.S. are exposed to respirable crystalline silica at work. [1] Exposure can cause deadly diseases — often without any visible warning signs.
KNOW THE RISK
- Crystalline silica is a common mineral used in construction materials like concrete, brick, stone, and mortar. It becomes dangerous when dust is generated from cutting, grinding, or drilling these materials. [1]
- Respirable silica particles are about 100 times smaller than a grain of sand. They can be inhaled deep into the lungs where they cause long-term damage. [1]
- Inhalation of silica dust can lead to silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease. [1]
MITIGATE THE RISK
1. Wet the Work Area
- When cutting or grinding materials that contain silica, use wet methods to keep dust down at the source. [1]
2. Ventilate and Wear Proper PPE
- Ensure the workspace is well-ventilated, and wear respirators when engineering controls can't reduce exposure below permissible limits. [1]
3. Use HEPA-Filtered Vacuums
- Clean work areas with HEPA-filter vacuums rather than dry sweeping to avoid stirring up silica dust. [1]
RESPIRATORY SAFETY REMINDER
You won’t always see silica dust — but your lungs will feel its effects. Control dust at the source, wear proper PPE, and follow OSHA’s silica standards to stay protected.