Crystalline silica is a form of silicon dioxide which occurs naturally in the Earth’s crust. When it is broken up by high energy activities into small airborne respirable particles, it can cause serious health hazards when inhaled. The symptoms caused by inhalation may not be immediately apparent. It is critical that individuals working around crystalline silica are knowledgeable of its physical properties, understand its safety risks, and know how to effectively avoid exposure. With the proper protective measures, training, and PPE, exposure to respirable crystalline silica can be reduced to the point that it is no longer a health threat to those who must work around it.
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