Dangers of Silica Dust and the New OSHA Regulations

摘要

Silicon (Si) is the second most common element on Earth, making up 28% of the earth's crust. Oxygen is the most common at 47% and aluminum is a distant third place at 8%. Silicon is almost never found in its pure form because it combines readily with oxygen to form silica (SiO_2)-examples being sand and quartz. Silica is in the foods we eat and is a necessary part of our diet. However, inhalation of "respirable crystalline silica" (particles less than 5 micron [0.2 mil] in size) poses a threat to life. Particles of this size can be created by natural forces such as wind causing particles to collide, forming smaller particles. However, industrial processes, such as mining, rock drilling, sand blasting, and other manufacturing processes are major sources of occupational exposure.%La inhalación de "sílice cristalina respirable" (partículas de tamaño inferior a 5 micrones [0.2 mil]) puede resultar en silicosis y cáncer de pulmón. Estas pequeñas partículas de polvo se pueden crear por fragmentos, perforación, molienda, pulido de diamante, y materiales de aserrado que contienen sílice cristalina, como el concreto y la piedra. Los nuevos reglamentos de OSHA relativos a la exposición de sílice para la construcción que entró en vigor el 23 de septiembre de 2017, y su implementación por los fabricantes de herramientas, se discuten.