How Can Construction Workers Be Exposed To Silica?

February 4, 2022

Silica is one of the most common minerals in the earth’s crust. Glass, beach sand, silicone and granite are all silica materials. Exposure to crystalline silica or quartz is the concern for construction workers who can be exposed to silica when cutting, grinding, drilling, sanding, mixing or demolishing materials containing silica. The size of the airborne silica particles determines the amount of risk. The smaller particles are of greater concern as they can be inhaled deep into the lungs where they can cause damage.