Under the Hard Hat

Tag: Silica dust

  • Free silica control tool protects Ontario construction workers from dangerous exposure  

    Free silica control tool protects Ontario construction workers from dangerous exposure  

    Exposure to silica dust poses significant health risks to workers in construction, manufacturing, and related industries. Inhaling respirable silica can lead to serious conditions, including lung cancer, silicosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Prolonged exposure may also result in kidney disease, underscoring the need for effective preventive measures. To address these dangers, the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc. (OHCOW) offers a free Silica Control Tool to safeguard workers and improve job site safety.

    What the silica control tool offers  

    OHCOW’s Silica Control Tool is an online resource that helps employers and workers assess silica exposure risks during specific tasks. By entering details about the materials being used and the methods involved, users receive tailored recommendations to control silica dust effectively. This tool also provides options for engineering controls, such as ventilation, and administrative controls, like worker rotation, to reduce exposure. Its user-friendly interface simplifies the process, making it accessible even for those with minimal technical experience.

    Developed with input from health professionals and industry experts, the tool meets Ontario’s stringent workplace safety standards. It’s particularly valuable for tasks like cutting, grinding, or drilling materials like concrete and stone, which release fine silica particles into the air. The tool’s recommendations empower employers to implement strategies that minimize risks without compromising productivity.

    Importance for construction and manufacturing  

    Construction and manufacturing workers often face higher silica exposure due to the nature of their work. Activities like jackhammering or cutting drywall produce airborne particles that can linger, putting nearby workers at risk. The silica control tool bridges the gap between awareness and action by offering practical solutions tailored to specific job site conditions.

    Employers benefit by meeting regulatory requirements and improving worker safety, while employees gain confidence knowing their health is being prioritized. This proactive approach reduces long-term health costs and helps create safer, more efficient worksites.

    Why this matters now  

    The tool’s introduction is especially timely as awareness about silica’s risks grows. Recent studies have highlighted the links between silica exposure and severe health outcomes, pushing regulators to adopt stricter enforcement of safety measures. This free resource offers businesses an opportunity to stay ahead of compliance standards while building a safety-first culture.

    The Silica Control Tool is about more than protecting workers today; it’s about ensuring their long-term health and productivity. OHCOW’s initiative underscores the importance of accessible safety resources in industries where health risks are part of daily operations.  

    Encourage your team’s safety by exploring tools like this! Subscribe to our newsletter at Under the Hard Hat for updates on workplace health and safety tools and resources. 

  • The dangers of quartz countertops

    The dangers of quartz countertops

    Quartz countertops are popular among design professionals and homeowners but aren’t entirely void of risks, especially for those working with them. Silica exposure happens during the cutting process of quartz and other natural stones, which increases the risk of silicosis when silica particles are inhaled. Safer, alternative countertops like granite, marble, and porcelain, which are comparable in looks and durability but contain lower levels of silica, are recommended. 

    The problem with quartz

    The popularity of quartz countertops has dramatically increased over the last ten years, creating a high demand. Concerns around the manufacturing and installation of quartz countertops have risen as cases of deaths and severe illness among workers have been reported.

    Quartz is made from crushed quartz stone, dyes, glass, and resin and contains a high percentage of silica—a natural mineral found in sand, stone, mortar, glass, and other common construction and household materials. 

    During the fabrication of quartz countertops, dust from cutting, grinding, and polishing releases silica dust into the air. Respirable crystalline silica is small airborne particles, 100 times smaller than sand granules, that can be inhaled and settle in the lungs—once in there, they cannot be removed.

    A higher demand for quartz countertops has increased manufacturing, putting more workers at risk of silicosis. 

    As of July 1, 2024, Australia became the first country to ban engineered stone benchtops, slabs, and panels. The ban does not apply to porcelain and sintered stone products. California enforced emergency measures to improve working conditions for the production of quartz, focusing on ventilation, respirators, and wet cutting to reduce dust levels. 

    It’s important to note that only those involved in manufacturing and installing quartz countertops are at risk of exposure—once installed, they do not pose a threat to homeowners. 

    Synthetic stone has a higher silica content than natural stone, making workers more susceptible to silica dust inhalation. The following materials have some of the highest levels of silica:

    • Bitumen
    • Mortar
    • Grout
    • Sand
    • Cement
    • Granite
    • Brick

    People who work in industries such as cement manufacturing, demolition, sandblasting, mining, and construction are also at a higher risk of developing silicosis.

    Silica-containing materials compared to quartz

    Quartz has the highest level of silica, at up to 97%. Here’s how it compares to other materials:

    • Sandstone: 70-95%
    • Mortar: 25-70%
    • Granite: 20-45%
    • Brick: up to 30%
    • Limestone/Marble: up to 2%

    Inhalation of silica dust can cause silicosis

    Silicosis is an incurable, severe lung disease that can be fatal. It is common within the engineered stone fabrication industry, but other sectors are at risk. It’s estimated that around 2.3 million U.S. workers are exposed to silica, 2 million of whom are in construction. 

    Crystalline silica particles from cutting and grinding materials containing silica are inhaled, causing lung scarring and inflammation. This can lead to shortness of breath, coughing, cyanosis, and fever. Symptoms can progress, eventually needing oxygen therapy or a lung transplant.

    Data shows that approximately 19% of people with silicosis die, 58% of who had a delayed diagnosis. This progressive disease can take 10-30 years to develop after exposure and can lead to major complications, including: 

    • Tuberculosis is a severe lung illness caused by a type of bacteria. It can cause coughing, coughing up blood, chest pain, pain with coughing, fever, night sweats, and tiredness.
    • Chronic bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes that can cause coughing, wheezing, and chest discomfort. It can also lead to disability, severe infections in the airways, and difficulty breathing.
    • Kidney disease is characterized by progressive damage and loss of kidney function. In more advanced stages, it can cause dangerous fluid buildup in the body.
    • Autoimmune disorders cause the body’s immune system to attack healthy tissues mistakenly. They can lead to a range of symptoms, some of which include fatigue, fever, and joint pain.

    Treatment of silicosis

    Once the damage is done, there is no way of reversing it. Treatment for silicosis is available, but it is designed to slow the progression and relieve symptoms, not cure the condition. Improving quality of life is the primary goal of the treatment—trying to stop further damage by stopping further exposure to silica. 

    Quitting cigarette smoking is one of the simplest ways to manage the disease, as smoking creates more damage to the lungs. Testing for tuberculosis is also crucial, as this disease can be more severe for those with silicosis. 

    Safer options to quartz countertops

    For people looking for aesthetics and durability without the health consequences, safer stone countertop options are available—porcelain, granite, and marble, to name a few.

    • Porcelain offers many of the same strengths as quartz with durability, price point, and aesthetic appeal. That said, it’s 30% more durable, more heat resistant, and lighter than quartz for installation. 
    • Granite is 100% natural cut rock. Every piece installed is one of a kind, with naturally formed designs. Granite is also highly durable and heat resistant.
    • Marble is a softer natural stone than quartz but has greater heat resistance. It tends to be more affordable and still contains natural patterns and variations. Marble is more porous, less durable or resilient than quartz, and requires more maintenance. 

    Final thoughts

    With safer countertops available at comparable costs, durability, and beauty, choosing a quality alternative to quartz is easy. The risk to workers handling quartz is high, and silica exposure is common. Employers should be warned of the risks and must be responsible for protecting workers’ health by supplying proper protective equipment to reduce exposure.

  • Protecting skilled trades workers from silica exposure

    Protecting skilled trades workers from silica exposure

    Silica dust is common in construction work due to its presence in cement and other construction materials. Repeated exposure to silica dust can lead to silicosis, an incurable and sometimes fatal lung disease, along with lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease. Wearing a respirator, using dust suppression systems, and spraying work areas with water are easy ways to reduce silica exposure.

    Quick look

    • Silica is a natural mineral found in granite, sand, and glass.
    • Silica is found in noncrystalline and crystalline forms, the ladder of which poses serious health risks when inhaled.
    • Exposure to silica dust from construction materials can lead to silicosis and other lung diseases.
    • Wearing a respirator, spraying work surfaces with water, and using a vacuum and ventilation system are easy ways to reduce silica exposure.

    What is silica?

    Silica is a common mineral found in the earth’s crust and in materials like granite, sand, and glass. While there are several naturally occurring forms of silica in nature, there are two primary forms:

    1. Noncrystalline silica 

    2. Crystalline silica

    It’s crystalline silica we worry about when it comes to construction.

    Crystalline silica, also known as quartz, is a common mineral found in many materials. When cut, chopped, ground, or drilled, these materials release dust containing tiny crystalline silica particles. Workers breathe in this airborne silica dust, which poses a major health hazard.

    When inhaled, it can cause severe long-term damage to the lungs. Beach sand and other noncrystalline silica, due to their larger particle size, are not as hazardous to health.

    Silica exposure from concrete dust poses a significant health risk

    Concrete dust is one of the primary routes of exposure for silica. Construction workers who install, amend, or remove cement—or are around others doing it—typically have the highest level of exposure. 

    Some exposure to silica dust is unavoidable in the construction industry, but mitigating exposure by using proper PPE and limiting exposure when possible should be a top priority for workers and company owners. 

    Reducing exposure starts by knowing how exposure occurs. Construction workers are exposed to silica dust in the following ways:

    • Cutting, grinding, or drilling materials containing silica (sand, stone, concrete, mortar, glass, pottery, ceramics, bricks, and artificial stone)
    • Sanding, mixing, or demolishing materials containing silica
    • Being near the activities above and inhaling dust created by the work
    • Inhaling particles trapped in clothing or safety gear
    • Building demolition
    • Power cutting or dressing stone
    • Facade renovation
    • Abrasive or hydro-blasting
    • Dry sweeping or pressurized air blowing
    • Tunneling, excavating, or earth moving

    Silica health effects

    The primary concerns related to inhaling silica particles are lung scarring and silicosis. Silicosis is a non-curable lung disease caused by breathing in tiny silica particles. Over time, exposure causes permanent lung scarring, known as pulmonary fibrosis. As a result, the lungs become less flexible, making it harder to breathe. 

    Once lung scarring has become severe, several symptoms may appear. These may include: 

    • Bronchitis-like symptoms (persistent cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing)
    • Weakness
    • Fatigue
    • Fever
    • Night sweats
    • Leg swelling
    • Lip discoloration 

    The longer silicosis goes without treatment, the higher the risk of complications. Silicosis is a disease that affects the immune system, meaning patients are more vulnerable to developing tuberculosis, lung cancer, COPD, and kidney disease.

    Smoking and other lifestyle choices may increase the chances of a worker getting silicosis or lung cancer.

    Protecting yourself from silica dust exposure

    While eliminating the source is the easiest way to reduce silica exposure, that’s not always possible in the construction industry. If you can’t eliminate exposure, you can reduce your risk.

    Protecting yourself and others from silica exposure starts with having a plan to control dust. Ensure workers have the right gear, such as respirators or full face masks, and an ample supply of respirator cartridges.

    Here are five ways to reduce silica exposure on the job.

    1. Wear a respirator

    Respirators help keep harmful particles out of your lungs and should be worn whenever you’re around airborne substances, especially dust. Depending on the type of dust the work creates, different respirators (or cartridges) are used. Make sure you’re using the proper respirator.

    2. Spray work areas with water

    Periodically spraying or misting water where dust is created helps reduce dust levels.

    3. Make a containment area for the dust-creating work

    This approach is sometimes necessary to protect the health of other workers nearby. Create a “tent” with plastic to contain the dust if possible. This option can sometimes be a double-edged sword—it will protect workers outside the work area, but it will increase dust levels for those inside. 

    Pro tip: Always use a vacuum system in a contained area.

    4. Use a vacuuming and ventilation system

    For larger jobs, it is a good idea to have an extensive vacuum system that pulls dust out of the work area and filters the air while expelling it. These systems are required in some instances, such as for asbestos removal. 

    As mentioned, a vacuum and ventilation system may also be necessary in enclosed areas.

    5. Use cement tools with dust suppression systems

    Many power tools used in cement construction have dust controls. Whether a core driller, a table saw, a tamper, or another tool, they’re designed with internal vacuums that remove 80% or more of the dust created. Some tools also use water during cutting or grinding, which suppresses dust.

    Bottom line: Good health is priceless—protect yours

    The important point to remember is that the above measures aren’t something taken from a textbook that isn’t applicable or important to daily life. Construction workers are exposed to a wide array of harmful substances daily, so these are critical measures to take to protect their health.