Evaluation of Substitute Materials for Silica Sand in Abrasive Blasting (Phase 2)

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 (in a partially-controlled 211u001efield site) silica sand's performance characteristics, operating costs, and 211u001eairborne and bulk concentrations of thirty health-related agents to seven 211u001esubstitute abrasives (silica sand treated with a dust suppressant, coal slag, 211u001ecopper slag, garnet, nickel slag, staurolite, and steel grit). Performance 211u001echaracteristics included: cleaning rate, consumption rate, surface profile, 211u001ebreakdown rate, and abrasive embedment.