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Silica – What
is it?
Crystalline Silica (SiO) is the second most common mineral
in the earth’s crust (also known as silica sand or quartz).
It is a commonly used ingredient in many construction products,
including concrete, tile, grout, mortar, brick, cement tile
underlayment, some drywall compounds and fiber cement siding.
All silica-containing products can produce small, respirable
size particles when cut, drilled, ground, sanded, or otherwise
abraded.
Managing
Silica is Important to Your Health
In their intact state, silica-containing products pose minimal
health risks. However, inhaling excessive quantities of respirable
silica dust can cause silicosis (lung cancer) and other serious
lung-related diseases, potentially being fatal in severe cases.
Several government agencies have identified respirable silica
to be cancer causing.
During inhalation, respirable silica enters the lungs and
can cause the formation of scar tissue which may reduce the
lung’s ability to take in oxygen. Key risk factors include
the amount of silica in the air, exposure frequency and duration,
and the overall health of the worker. In addition, some studies
suggest that smoking may increase the risk for silica-related
diseases.
Over exposures to respirable silica can occur when cutting
any silica-containing building product.
Managing Silica Exposures
James Hardie®
believes that safety should be of paramount importance to
everyone and is commited to the safe use of its products.
James Hardie®
has established the following Recommended Cutting
Practices as an easy-to-follow, practical guide to
help you reduce the risk of potential silica exposures. |
