Silica is a naturally occurring mineral consisting of oxygen and silicon (silicon dioxide) and is present in most rocks and soil – it is the second most abundant mineral in the earth’s crust.
Overexposure to certain types and amounts of silica particles can lead to lung disease – it was classified as a human carcinogen (Group 1) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 1997.
Silica is a particulate hazard, typically created by mechanical action (cutting, drilling, sanding, sawing) or by flame treating a silica source to create silica particulates.
The type and extent of the work being done will affect the particle size and amounts of silica particles being released into the workplace breathing air.
Protection from particulate silica can be provided by certain respirators. There are several different types of respirators providing different features and levels of protection.
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