OSHA Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica
The U.S. Department of Labor became aware of the dangers of respirable crystalline silica in the 1930s, but it wasn’t until 1971 that silica exposure standards were set by the newly-established OSHA. The final rule issued on March 25, 2016 is comprised of two standards, one for Construction and one for General Industry and Maritime.
An estimated 2.3 million workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica in their workplaces, primarily in construction, general industry and hydraulic fracturing. Exposure can occur during the drilling, cutting, crushing, or grinding of silica-containing materials such as concrete and stone and during brick manufacturing and foundry operations.