Grinding, cutting, and sanding natural materials like stone, brick, and concrete is an essential part of the construction industry. But these activities can also lead to the spread of silica dust, which are tiny particles that permeate the air. When workers breathe in these particles, it can lead to a range of long-term health effects, including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease, all of which can be fatal.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ruling 29 CFR 1926.1153 outlines the agency’s requirements for working with silica in the construction industry.