| Multiple | Multiple | CPWR’s Exposure Control Database | CPWR’s Exposure Control Database can help you anticipate and control worker exposures to silica. This free online tool allows users to enter a construction task, proposed controls, and other variables and obtain a predicted exposure level based on exposure data from trusted sources. A recorded webinar walks you through its features. If you would like to contribute to the database, please submit data using our Silica Objective Data Collection Form . |
| Sand Transfer & Loading | 2018 | Dust Suppression Hopper reduces dust liberation during bulk loading: Two case studies | Sand that is transferred and loaded can release dust into the work environment. For bulk loading sand into trucks or trains, NIOSH evaluated a Dust Suppression Hopper (DSH) at two industrial sand processing plants. Results show that the DSH reduced airborne respirable dust levels by 39-88%, depending on the sand size being loaded. |
| Concrete Drilling | 2018 | Pneumatic rock drill vs. electric rotary hammer drill: Productivity, vibration, dust, and noise when drilling into concrete | While no differences were found in drilling productivity between an electric and pneumatic drill of similar mass, there were substantial differences in exposure levels of respirable silica dust, noise, and handle vibration. The study recommended structural contractors switch from pneumatic rock drills to electric rotary hammer drills for structural drilling into concrete in order to reduce worker exposures to these hazards. |
| Powered Chisel on Mortar | 2018 | In-Depth Survey Report: Removing Mortar with a Powered Chisel with on-Tool Local Exhaust Ventilation and a Higher-Flow Vacuum Cleaner | The powered mortar-raking chisel with on-tool local exhaust ventilation (LEV) tested in this report produced respirable crystalline exposures less than those reported when grinders were used with local exhaust ventilation under similar test parameters. If this tool can remove mortar with the speed and quality required by contractors and is acceptable to workers, it represents an alternative to the use of grinders. However, the study found that if it was used for a full shift and dust levels remained constant, the highest quartz concentration measured during use of the chisel – 0.053 mg/m3 – would be about 1.06 times the OSHA PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) and NIOSH REL (Recommended Exposure Limit). This would require the use of a respirator with an assigned protection factor of 10, such as an N95 filtering facepiece respirator. Full-shift sampling on job sites should be conducted to validate these findings. |
| Powered Mortar-Raking Chisel | 2018 | In-Depth Survey Report: Removing Mortar with a Powered Mortar-Raking Chisel with on-Tool Local Exhaust Ventilation | The powered chisel with on-tool local exhaust ventilation tested in this study produced respirable crystalline exposures less than those reported when grinders were used with local exhaust ventilation under similar test parameters. If this tool can remove mortar with the speed and quality required by contractors and is acceptable to workers, it represents an alternative to the use of grinders. However, this study found that if it was used for a full shift and dust levels remained constant, the highest quartz concentration measured during use of the chisel – 0.20 mg/m3 – would be about 4 times the OSHA PEL and NIOSH REL. This would require the use of a respirator with an assigned protection factor of 10, such as an N95 filtering facepiece respirator. Full-shift sampling on job sites should be conducted to validate these findings. |
| Mixing Mortar | 2017 | In-Depth Survey Report: Mixing Mortar | Mixing either lime mortar or Type N mortar for eight or more hours a day could generate sufficient worker exposure to require the use of an air purifying respirator that is at least as protective as a filtering facepiece respirator or half-mask respirator with N95 filters, according to this study. The respirator user must be trained and fit-tested, and the respirator must be used as part of a comprehensive respiratory protection program in accordance with the OSHA silica standard [81 Fed. Reg. 16285 (2016)]. The study recommended air sampling to characterize full-shift exposures to mortar mixing with a variety of mixes and mixing technology would determine the extent to which mortar mixing on job sites is a concern and the development of engineering controls for mortar mixers. |
| Powered Chisel on Mortar | 2017 | In-Depth Survey Report: Removing Mortar with a Powered Chisel | The chisel tested here produced respirable crystalline silica exposures less than those reported when grinders were used with local exhaust ventilation under similar test parameters. If the powered chisel can remove mortar with the speed and quality required by contractors and is acceptable to workers, it could represent an alternative to the use of grinders. However, the study found that if the chisel was used for a full shift and dust levels remained constant, the highest quartz concentration measured during use of the chisel, 0.13 mg/m3, would be 2.6 times the OSHA PEL and NIOSH REL. This would require the use of a respirator with an assigned protection factor of 10, such as an N95 filtering facepiece respirator. On the other hand, a quartz exposure of 0.13 mg/m3 would permit a worker to use the chisel under these conditions for more than 3 hours (up to 185 minutes) in an 8-hour shift with no other exposures to quartz without exceeding the REL or PEL. The study recommended full-shift sampling on job sites to validate these findings, and additional research to assess the effectiveness of tool-mounted local exhaust ventilation on reducing respirable dust and crystalline silica exposures associated with the use of this powered chisel. |
| Hydraulic Fracking | 2017 | Evaluation of an improved prototype mini-baghouse to control the release of respirable crystalline silica from sand movers | NIOSH researchers developed an engineering control to address one of the largest sources of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) aerosol generation at hydraulic fracturing sites — RCS escaping from thief hatches on the top of sand movers. The control, the NIOSH Mini-Baghouse Retrofit Assembly (NMBRA), mounts on the thief hatches. Results indicated the use of the NMBRA effectively reduced concentrations of both respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica downwind of the thief hatches. |
| Stone Countertop Fabrication | 2017 | Experimental Evaluation of Respirable Dust and Crystalline Silica Controls During Simulated Performance of Stone Countertop Fabrication Tasks With Powered Hand Tools | Sheet-flow-wetting combined with on-tool local exhaust ventilation is an effective engineering control for reducing respirable dust exposures during engineered stone edge grinding and blade cutting. However, this study also found that the addition of local exhaust ventilation to some water-spray-wetted tools reduced the effectiveness of the wet method. |
| Fiber Cement Cutting | 2017 | Comprehensive Report: Laboratory evaluation of power shears for cutting fiber-cement siding | Results from the laboratory tests suggested that the reduction of respirable dust generation rate from using local exhaust ventilation (LEV) with dust-collecting circular saws was largely in agreement with the previously reported exposure reductions obtained from field surveys of construction sites where this control measure was used. The significantly lower respirable dust generation rate for the power shears compared to that of the C-M saw with or without LEV indicates that cutting fiber-cement siding using similar power shears could be expected to result in an 8-hour TWA exposure to respirable crystalline silica that is lower than those observed in the field surveys using dust collection circular saws with LEV (0.013±0.009 mg/m3) and without LEV (0.084±0.055 mg/m3). The study noted that from the perspective of exposure control, the use of power shears whenever practical is a preferred method for cutting fiber cement siding, and aligns with the hierarchy of controls. |
| Concrete Drilling | 2017 | The Effects of Bit Wear on Respirable Silica Dust, Noise and Productivity: A Hammer Drill Bench Study | Increasing bit wear was associated with increasing respirable crystalline silica dust and noise exposure, and a reduction in drilling productivity. The levels of dust and noise produced under these experimental conditions would require dust capture, hearing protection, and possibly respiratory protection. The findings support the adoption of a bit replacement program by construction contractors. |
| Powered Chisel on Mortar | 2017 | In-Depth Survey Report: Removing Mortar with a Powered Chisel with On-tool Local Exhaust Ventilation | The powered chisel with on-tool local exhaust ventilation tested here produced respirable crystalline silica exposures lower than those reported when grinders were used with LEV under similar test parameters. If this tool can remove mortar with the speed and quality required by contractors and is acceptable to workers, it could represent an alternative to the use of grinders. However, the study found that if it was used for a full shift and dust levels remained constant, the highest quartz concentration measured during use of the chisel, 0.16 mg/m3, would be about three times the OSHA PEL and NIOSH REL. This would require the use of a respirator with an assigned protection factor of 10, such as an N95 filtering facepiece respirator. The study recommended conducting full-shift sampling on job sites to validate these findings. |
| Asphalt Milling | 2016 | Respirable crystalline silica exposures during asphalt pavement milling at eleven highway construction sites | The results of this study indicated that engineering controls, consisting of ventilation controls in combination with water-sprays, were capable of controlling occupational exposures to respirable crystalline silica generated by asphalt pavement milling machines on highway construction sites. |
| Fiber Cement Cutting | 2016 | On the Characterization of the Generation Rate and Size-Dependent Crystalline Silica Content of the Dust from Cutting Fiber Cement Siding | Laboratory tests of cutting fiber cement siding in a newly developed laboratory testing system verified that the system provided high repeatability, making it suitable for the targeted characterization of dust generation rate and size-dependent silica content. Combining the results for both the dust-size distribution and size-dependent silica content, it was found that most RCS from cutting fiber cement siding across the four brands resided in dust of approximately 2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter. The study found that these results could help guide the development of specific engineering control measures to lower workers’ exposure to RCS while cutting fiber cement siding. |
| Stone Countertop Fabrication | 2016 | In-Depth Survey Report: Engineering Control of Silica Dust from Stone Countertop Fabrication and Installation | The results from the task-based samples in this survey revealed that wet grinding and wet polishing granite and engineered quartz stone may still lead to overexposure to respirable crystalline silica. The exposure levels for wet grinding were especially concerning, and the study recommended using a larger amount of water through a center water feed for the grinders for a future test of control technologies. In addition, it was noted that additional engineering control measures would be needed for these tasks to reduce the exposure to levels consistently below the NIOSH REL. The study also noted that alternative ways of cleaning and drying stone countertops other than using compressed air, and in the absence of sufficient dust controls, respirators should continue to be used to reduce exposures. When respirators are used, the employer needs to make sure that the respiratory protection program follows the OSHA standard. |
| Concrete Polisher | 2016 | In-Depth Survey Report: Concrete Surface Preparation Tools Machine 4 | The Prep-Master 2420 concrete polisher evaluated in this survey was equipped with a LEV system designed to control and remove dust particles generated during the concrete polishing process. However, the study found that the dust control system required modifications to reduce worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica during concrete finishing operations. |
| Concrete Cutting | 2015 | A Water Soluble Additive to Suppress Respirable Dust from Concrete-Cutting Chainsaws: A Case Study | Concrete cutting, a common work practice in the construction industry, is a major contributor to dust generation. In this case study, a water-soluble surfactant additive was added in the chainsaw’s water supply. Cutting was performed on a free-standing concrete wall in a covered outdoor lab with a hand-held, gas-powered, concrete-cutting chainsaw. |
| Multiple | 2015 | Silica Measurement with High Flow Rate Respirable Size Selective Samplers: A Field Study | Researchers sampled airborne silica at thirteen occupational sites in the United States and Ireland, using both high and low flow rate cyclones, and compared results. The study found that high flow rate samplers collected significantly more respirable dust and quartz than low flow rate samplers, as expected, indicating that utilizing high flow rate samplers may improve precision in quartz measurement. |
| Multiple | 2015 | Effectiveness of a Multidimensional Randomized Control Intervention to Reduce Quartz Exposure Among Construction Workers | This article evaluated the effectiveness of a multidimensional intervention aimed at reducing occupational quartz exposure among construction workers by increasing the use of technical control measures. This study showed that the structured intervention approach partially contributed to a substantial reduction in quartz exposure among highly exposed construction workers. |
| Concrete Drilling | 2015 | Reducing Hazardous Dust Exposure when Dowel Drilling in Concrete | Construction workers may be exposed to hazardous dust containing respirable crystalline silica when using dowel drilling machines to drill horizontal holes in concrete pavement. In this study, NIOSH found that exposures were reduced using tool-mounted LEV and good work practices. |
| Multiple | 2015 | A Case-Control Study of Airways Obstruction Among Construction Workers | While smoking is the major cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), occupational exposures to vapors, gases, dusts, and fumes also increase COPD risk. This case study recommended implementing control methods to prevent worker exposures, and promoting smoking cessation. |
| Fiber-Cement Cutting | 2015 | Reducing Hazardous Dust Exposure when Cutting Fiber-Cement Siding | Construction workers may be exposed to hazardous dust containing silica when cutting fiber-cement siding. In this study, NIOSH found that workers’ exposures could be reduced by attaching a regular shop vacuum to a dust-collecting circular saw — a simple low-cost solution. |
| Concrete Polisher | 2015 | In-Depth Survey Report: Concrete Surface Preparation Tools Machine 1 | The Prep-Master 2420 concrete polisher evaluated in this survey was equipped with an LEV system intended to control and remove dust particles generated during the concrete polishing process. However, the study found that the dust control system required modifications to reduce worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica during concrete finishing operations. |
| Concrete Polisher | 2015 | In-Depth Survey Report: Concrete Surface Preparation Tools Machines 2 & 3 | The HTC and Husqvarna concrete polishers evaluated in this survey were equipped with an engineering control, a LEV system designed to control and remove dust particles generated during the concrete polishing process. The dust control system adequately controlled worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica during the site visit. The study recommended collecting and evaluating repeated samples using the same equipment, and quantifying the actual airflow of the vacuum system to establish a correlation between the actual and the listed airflow [13,479 L/min (476 cfm)]. |
| Multiple | 2013 | Study – Construction Workers’ Exposure to Crystalline Silica – Literature Review and Analysis (If the study appears in French, click on the option for an English translation) | The specific objectives of this study of construction workers’ exposure to silica “were to identify the positions and duties most at risk in relation to their exposure level; to identify the various means of controlling exposure while documenting their effectiveness; and to develop a relational database on the exposure to silica dusts, compiling the literature data in a form usable by researchers or preventionists…” |
| Roof Tile Cutting & Clean-Up | 2013 | Exposure Assessment for Roofers Exposed to Silica during Installation of Roof Tiles | This report presents the results of a health hazard evaluation conducted by NIOSH of exposures to dust and silica among roofers in Phoenix. |
| Concrete Cutting | 2013 | Controlling Dust from Concrete Saw Cutting | This study presented the results of field experiment examining dust reductions using water from a hose and sprayer while cutting concrete with gas-powered saws. |
| Multiple | 2013 | Occupational Exposure to Silica in Construction Workers: A Literature-Based Exposure Database | This article described the development and structure of a new occupational exposure database of respirable crystalline silica levels in the construction industry. The data were compiled from available studies and sources published in or after 1990 and were believed to be the most comprehensive data available at the time of the study. |
| Multiple | 2012 | Statistical modeling of crystalline silica exposure by trade in the construction industry using a database compiled from the literature | This study involved a “quantitative determinants-of-exposure analysis of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) levels in the construction industry … using a database compiled from an extensive literature review. Statistical models were developed to predict work-shift exposure levels by trade…” |
| Multiple | 2012 | Silica Exposure During Construction Activities: Statistical Modeling of Task-Based Measurements from the Literature | “In this study, statistical modeling was used to analyze a data set containing 1466 task-based, personal respirable crystalline silica (RCS) measurements gathered from 46 sources to estimate exposure levels during construction tasks and the effects of determinants of exposure…” |
| Concrete Cutting (Highway Construction) | 2012 | Evaluation of cut-off saw exposure control methods for respirable dust and crystalline silica in roadway construction | Dust reduction equipment adapted for a single-person operation was evaluated for gas-powered, commercially available cut-off saws during concrete curb cutting. Cutting was performed without dust control and with two individual exposure control methods: wet suppression and LEV |
| Concrete Drilling | 2012 | Evaluation and Control of Respirable Silica Exposure During Lateral Drilling of Concrete | This study found that the drill jig alone, presumably by distancing the worker from the surface, reduced airborne silica exposure by 55% over conventional pneumatic drilling. However, because this level was still six times the NIOSH REL, the study noted that a respirator would still be necessary. When outfitted with the shroud and vacuum for dust control, the operator’s exposure to airborne silica was reduced by 94%, reaching a level below the NIOSH REL of 0.05 milligrams per cubic meter. [Note: the PEL in the 2016 OSHA silica standard for construction.] |
| Concrete – Grinding | 2010 | Case Study to Identify Barriers and Incentives to Implementing an Engineering Control for Concrete Grinding Dust | This study examined the implementation of an LEV system for a overhead grinder illustrating the roles that various members of the construction team played. |
| Concrete – Grinding | 2010 | Effectiveness of Dust Control Methods for Crystalline Silica and Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter Exposure During Manual Concrete Surface Grinding | “This study examined the influence of major factors of exposure and effectiveness of existing dust control methods by simulating field concrete grinding in an enclosed workplace laboratory.” |
| Tile (roofing) Sawing/cutting | 2010 | Laboratory Evaluation to Reduce Respirable Crystalline Silica Dust When Cutting Concrete Roofing Tiles Using a Masonry Saw | This study evaluated the effectiveness of a commercially available LEV system and a water suppression system in reducing silica exposure. The authors also considered the cost of each method tested. |
| Concrete Cutting | 2009 | Reducing Silica and Dust Exposures in Construction During Use of Powered Concrete-Cutting Hand Tools: Efficacy of Local Exhaust Ventilation on Hammer Drills | This article made the case that engineering controls are potentially more effective than respiratory protective equipment for heavy labor because they not only reduce worker exposures but can also reduce bystander exposures in construction. |
| Masonry – Cutting & Grinding | 2009 | Engineering Control Technologies to Reduce Occupational Silica Exposures in Masonry Cutting and Tuckpointing | A number of tasks in construction generate worker overexposures to respirable crystalline silica dust, which is a significant contributor to occupational mortality and morbidity. This study evaluated the performance of commercially available engineering controls that were available at that time. |
| Multiple | 2009 | OSHA – Controlling Silica Exposures in Construction | This OSHA guidance document, developed seven years before the silica standard was issued, reviewed the common sources of airborne silica in construction work and methods to reduce worker exposure. Divided into nine sections, it covers different construction operations, including specific equipment or operations: Stationary Masonry Saws, Handheld Masonry Saws, Hand- Operated Grinders, Tuckpointing/Mortar Removal, Jackhammers, Rotary Hammers and Similar Tools, Vehicle-Mounted Rock Drilling Rigs, and Drywall Finishing. The other section addressed general housekeeping operations and dust control through the use of dust suppressants. |
| Enclosed Cabs | 2008 | Key Design Factors of Enclosed Cab Dust Filtration Systems | This NIOSH mining publication addressed various factors that affect cab air filtration system performance, including intake filter efficiency, intake air leakage, intake filter loading (filter flow resistance), recirculation filter use, and wind effects on cab particulate penetration. |
| Concrete – Jackhammering | 2008 | Water Spray Control of Hazardous Dust When Breaking Concrete with a Jackhammer | A NIOSH Workplace Solutions that summarized a NIOSH study on exposure hazards when breaking up concrete with a jackhammer and on methods to control the dust. |
| Demolition | 2008 | Silica dust control in small scale building/structure demolition operations using good work practice guidance | This study evaluated the use of information on good work practices included in control guidance sheets by trained workers and supervisors employed in small-scale concrete and masonry demolition operations. The guidance was adapted from the UK Silica Essentials guidance sheets. |
| Masonry grinding | 2008 | The Effects of Debris Accumulation Upon Air Flow and Filter Resistance to Air Flow for Four Commercially Available Vacuum Cleaners | This document presented the results of a laboratory study conducted to evaluate how mortar debris affected air flow and pressure losses through a vacuum cleaner’s filters. |
| Masonry grinding | 2008 | Workplace Solutions: Control of Hazardous Dust During Tuckpointing | Construction workers are exposed to hazardous dust when grinding or cutting mortar or cement from between the bricks of old buildings. In this study, NIOSH found that these exposures could be reduced by using tool-mounted LEV and good work practices. |
| Abrasive blasting | 2007 | Control technology and exposure assessment for occupational exposure to beryllium: abrasive blasting with coal-slag, report no. CT-263-13a | NIOSH, working under an interagency agreement with the Office of Regulatory Analysis of the OSHA, conducted a study to survey occupational exposures to beryllium and to document engineering controls and work practices affecting those exposures. |
| Abrasive blasting | 2007 | Field Tests of a Water Induction Nozzle as a Dust Control for Abrasive Blasting | This study presented the results of a field test on a wet abrasive blasting device and its impact on the level of respirable crystalline silica dust. |
| Asphalt | 2007 | In-Depth Survey of Dust Control Technology for Asphalt Milling at Northeast Asphalt, Inc., US Route 22 and SR 64 Projects, Wisconsin. | This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of water spray controls for a cold-milling machine. |
| Multiple | 2006 | Evaluation of Dust Emission Properties for Hand-Operated Power Tools and Devices Used for Work on Mineral Materials | This is a BG BAU report focused on a joint practice-oriented research project evaluating the effectiveness of hand-held tools and their dust controls. |
| Multiple | 2006 | Silica Exposure on Construction Sites: Results of an Exposure Monitoring Data Compilation Project | To expand on the limited size and scope of construction silica exposure studies, a silica monitoring data compilation project was initiated through the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Construction Committee. Personal silica exposure monitoring data were collected and analyzed from 13 private, research, and regulatory groups. An effort was made to collect as much detail as possible about tasks, tools, and environmental and control conditions. |
| Multiple | 2006 | Silica Dust Levels | This table was developed based on pooled air monitoring information from regulators in Washington, Oregon, and a Chicago OSHA office, as well as universities and other research groups, and several construction contractors. |
| Tile (roofing) Sawing/cutting | 2006 | NIOSH Report: In-Depth Survey Report of a Demonstration and Evaluation of Roofing Tile Saws and Cutters Controlling Respirable and Crystalline Silica Dust | The objective of this study was to conduct a demonstration and evaluation of roofing tile saws and the Hytile tile cutter. The study was conducted over two days. The Hytile cutter without controls performed below the PEL for the most part. |
| Tile (roofing) Sawing/cutting | 2006 | In-Depth Survey Report of A Demonstration And Evaluation of Roofing Tile Saws and Cutters Controlling Respirable and Crystalline Silica Dust | This NIOSH study quantified the respirable dust and respirable silica exposures of roofing workers using an electric powered saw with an aftermarket LEV attachment, and determined whether the LEV was able to control respirable dust and respirable silica exposures below occupational exposure limits. |
| Masonry grinding | 2005 | Protecting Tuckpointing Workers from Silica Dust: Draft Recommendations for a Ventilated Grinder | This report described draft recommendations for the use of a ventilated grinder to reduce dust during tuckpointing operations and field trials while using these devices. |
| Abrasive blasting | 2004 | A Review of Engineering Control Technology for Exposures Generated During Abrasive Blasting Operations | This literature review presented information on measures for controlling worker exposure to toxic airborne contaminants generated during abrasive blasting operations occurring primarily in the construction industry. |
| Asphalt | 2004 | Results of a Pilot Study of Dust Control Technology for Asphalt Milling at Payne & Dolan, Inc. US Route 12 Project, Wisconsin | This pilot study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of water spray controls for a cold milling machine. |
| Concrete – Grinding | 2004 | The Efficacy of Local Exhaust Ventilation for Controlling Dust Exposures During Concrete Surface Grinding | This study evaluated the effectiveness of a commercially available LEV system for controlling respirable dust and crystalline silica exposures during concrete grinding activities. Surface grinding was conducted at six commercial building construction sites in Seattle, WA, by cement masons. |
| Concrete – Jackhammering | 2003 | Control of respirable dust and crystalline silica from breaking concrete with a jackhammer | The goal of the project reported in this article was to quantify the exposure reduction that could be achieved using a water-spray attachment and two different tool-mounted LEV shrouds during concrete pavement breaking with jackhammers. |
| Multiple | 2003 | Silica Dust Exposures During Selected Construction Activities | This study characterized exposure from dust-generating construction tasks. Eight common construction tasks were evaluated for quartz and respirable dust exposure using 113 personal task period samples collected for cleanup; demolition with handheld tools; concrete cutting; concrete mixing; tuck-point grinding; surface grinding; sacking and patching concrete; and concrete floor sanding using both time-integrating filter samples and direct-reading respirable dust monitors. |
| Multiple | 2003 | Engineering Controls for Selected Silica and Dust Exposures in the Construction Industry – A Review | This literature review summarized engineering control technology research for dust and silica exposures associated with four different tasks: cutting brick and concrete block, grinding mortar from between bricks, drilling, and grinding concrete surfaces. |
| Concrete – Cutting & Grinding | 2002 | The Effect of Local Exhaust Ventilation Controls on Dust Exposures During Concrete Cutting and Grinding Activities | This study evaluated the effectiveness of commercially available LEV systems for controlling respirable dust and crystalline silica exposures during concrete cutting and grinding activities. Work activities were performed by union-sponsored apprentices and included tuck-point grinding, surface grinding, paver block and brick cutting (masonry saw), and concrete block cutting (hand-held saw). |
| Multiple | 2002 | Excessive Exposure to Silica in the US Construction Industry | Exposures to respirable dust and silica on 36 construction sites in the United States were investigated. Personal measurements (n = 151) were analyzed from 80 workers in four trades — bricklayers, painters (while abrasive blasting), operating engineers and laborers. Painters had the highest exposures (median values for respirable dust and silica: 13.5 and 1.28 mg/m3, respectively), followed by laborers (2.46 and 0.350 mg/m3), bricklayers (2.13 and 3.20 mg/m3) and operating engineers (0.720 and 0.075 mg/m3). |
| Multiple | 2002 | Dust Control Measures in the Construction Industry | This study evaluated the impact of control measures on reducing quartz dust exposure and assessed the extent of their use. |
| Concrete Cutting & Coring | 2001 | Indoor Wet Concrete Cutting and Coring Exposure Evaluation | The study evaluated exposure at 10 different construction sites, selected with assistance from the participating companies. Selection criteria included the anticipation of worst-case scenarios, such as inside buildings or enclosed spaces with no dust-producing activities nearby. |
| Concrete – Cutting/sawing | 1999 | Measurements of the Effectiveness of Dust Control on Cut-off Saws Used in the Construction Industry | This study involved experienced workers cutting concrete kerbs and slabs for 15-minute intervals using a diamond blade with and without controls. |
| Drywall Finishing | 1999 | Airborne Exposures and Ambulatory Peak Expiratory Flow in Drywall Finishers | This study used personal air sampling of 10 drywall finishers to measure exposure to respirable dust, including but not restricted to crystalline silica. |
| Stone – Granite fabricating | 1999 | Silica Exposure During Granite Countertop Fabrication | This study found that granite countertop fabricators were at risk for silicosis, and that wet processes significantly reduced their exposure to respirable crystalline silica to levels below the state of Washington’s PEL of 0.1 mg/m3. Note – the current OSHA PEL is half of this level. |