Dangerous Dust: Silica Health Risks

Dangerous dust: Silica health risks

June 27, 2025
By Honeywell, for the Blue Print

Silica dust has been making headlines, particularly in the construction industry, due to its alarming health risks. This blog will delve into the widespread presence of silica, the dangers it poses, and the measures that can be taken to prevent exposure.

Understanding silica

Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral found in various materials such as glass, marble, and construction materials. Silica dust is created when quartz is cut, ground, or drilled, resulting in tiny particles that can be inhaled and lodge permanently in the lungs.

Common Sources of Silica Exposure
Silica is widespread in the construction industry. Workers may encounter silica during activities such as:

Using masonry saws
Grinding and drilling
Operating jackhammers and handheld chipping tools
Milling and crushing machines
Using heavy equipment for demolition

Even tasks like pouring concrete or mixing mortar can expose workers to silica dust.

Health risks of silica exposure

Exposure to silica dust can lead to several serious health conditions, including:

Silicosis
Silicosis is a permanent lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, leading to scar tissue formation in the lungs. This reduces the lungs' ability to take in oxygen and can be debilitating or even fatal.

Lung Cancer
Silica dust exposure increases the risk of lung cancer. The scarring caused by silica in the lungs can lead to abnormal cell multiplication and tumor formation.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD can result from silica dust exposure and typically worsens over time. Symptoms include shortness of breath, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.

Kidney Disease
Overexposure to silica dust can lead to chronic kidney disease, which develops over time.

Bronchitis
Silica dust exposure can increase the risk of developing bronchitis, characterized by inflammation of the air passages, mucus production, and severe coughing.

Autoimmune Disorders
Accelerated silicosis may be accompanied by autoimmune disorders, further complicating the health risks.

Preventing silica exposure

Preventing silica exposure is crucial for protecting workers' health. Employers must take proactive measures to limit exposure and ensure a safe working environment.

OSHA Regulations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established standards to protect workers from respirable crystalline silica. These standards require employers to:

Limit worker exposures to silica dust
Implement written exposure control plans
Designate competent personnel to enforce these plans
Provide medical exams for workers exposed to silica
Train workers on silica exposure prevention
Maintain records of exposure and medical exams

Exposure Limits
Under OSHA's Respirable Crystalline Silica Rule, employers must control dust levels. The actionable level of exposure is 25 µg/m3 and the permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 50 µg/m3 (micrograms of silica per cubic meter of air) over an 8-hour time-weighted average.

Hierarchy of Controls
Applying the hierarchy of controls can effectively reduce silica dust exposure. This includes:

Engineering Controls: Using wet methods to reduce dust, ventilation systems, and dust suppression techniques.
Administrative Controls: Training, supervision, medical surveillance, and regular site inspections.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing proper respiratory protection such as half masks, full facepieces, and disposable respirators.

Respiratory Protection
Respiratory PPE is essential in protecting workers from silica dust. Options include:

Half Masks: half masks offer a wide sealing area for comfort and protection.
Full Facepieces: full face respirators offer additional protection to eyes and face.
Disposable Masks: N95 Respirators offer high protection level, low breathing resistance, good breathability, comfort and applicability.

OSHA's crystalline silica rule for construction

OSHA's Crystalline Silica Rule for Construction aims to protect approximately two million construction workers exposed to silica, with more than 840,000 workers facing levels that exceed the PEL. Employers must establish and implement exposure control plans, designate competent persons, restrict hazardous housekeeping practices, offer medical exams, and train workers on silica exposure prevention.

Table 1: Specified Exposure Control Methods
OSHA Table 1, part of the silica standard, outlines specific exposure control methods for 18 common construction tasks that involve crystalline silica. These control methods, including engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection, can be implemented in lieu of monitoring and assessing worker exposure to silica dust. If employers fully and properly implement these specified controls, they are not required to measure silica exposure levels for those tasks.

Conclusion

Silica dust poses significant health risks to construction workers, and proactive measures must be taken to prevent exposure. By adhering to OSHA regulations, implementing control methods, and providing proper respiratory protection, employers can create safer work environments and protect their workers from the dangers of silica dust.

Content originally from Honeywell. Reused here with permission.