Proforma Safety Blog

Silica Dust is the New Asbestos

Posted by proforma on September 8, 2009

Awareness of the dangers associated with silica dust is where asbestos was 20 years ago — barely on everyone’s radar. But the outcome is frighteningly similar — difficulty in breathing, incapacity and chronic illness. silica is commonly used in construction in concrete, bricks, tiles, cement board and asphalt. It’s a hazard on almost all construction sites when these products are used in ways that produce high dust concentrations. For an excellent resource article for use in the workplace, click here. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also offer information here.