Evaluation of Substitute Materials for Silica Sand in Abrasive Blasting (Phase 3)

摘要

Abrasive blasters using silica sand are at high risk of developing silicosis.211u001eAlthough NIOSH recommended in 1974 that silica sand be banned in abrasive 211u001eblasting, it is still the highest used blasting abrasive in the United States. 211u001eHowever, little objective data exists regarding the effectiveness, operating 211u001ecosts, and concentrations of health-related agents for abrasive blasting 211u001esubstitutes. This study's objective was to compare silica sand's performance 211u001echaracteristics, operating costs, and airborne and bulk concentrations of thirty 211u001ehealth-related agents to seven substitute abrasives (silica sand treated with a 211u001edust suppressant, coal slag, copper slag, garnet, nickel slag, staurolite, and 211u001esteel grit) for data collected in an environmentally-controlled laboratory to a 211u001epartially-controlled field site. Performance characteristics included: cleaning 211u001erate, consumption rate, surface profile, breakdown rate, and abrasive embedment.