Silica dust hazard

What Is It?

U

Small & Invisible

At less than 10 μ in diameter, respirable crystalline silica dust is oftentimes so small that it is invisible.

p

Common & Widespread

Silica dust becomes airborne during many construction activities, such as cutting, drilling, chipping, sanding, or grinding materials that contain crystalline silica.

h

Regulated

New OSHA regulations have reduced the permissible exposure limit of crystalline silica dust from 250μg/m3 to 50μg/m3.

Workers who inhale these very small crystalline silica particles are at increased risk of developing serious silica-related diseases.

U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA

But that dust isn’t just dust - it’s a bunch of tiny crystalline silica particles that pose a serious threat to everyone exposed.

Concentra, Occupational Health

Silicosis is a disabling, irreversible, and sometimes fatal lung disease. When a worker inhales crystalline silica, the lungs react by developing hard nodules and scarring around the trapped silica particles. If the nodules become too large, breathing becomes difficult and death can result.

Working Safely With Silica, silica-safe.org

The Dangers

Q

Death

Inhaling respirable silica dust can lead to a multitude of major respiratory and nephrology illnesses, but ultimately lead to death.

Q

Disease

When inhaled, silica dust greatly increases the chances of silicosis, COPD, lung cancer, and a multitude of other major respiratory illnesses. Workers are also at an increased risk of developing kidney disease.

Q

Lawsuit

Not only can OSHA fine you for failure to comply to regulations relating to silica dust (29 CFR 1926.1153 and 29 CFR 1910.1053), but workers can also file lawsuits against you for your failure to comply.

Silica Dust Is No Match For NeSilex.

Learn about the NeSilex Solution