Silica

http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-silica-sand.htm#slideshow

Silica

SiO2 comprises the majority of earths crust

Nearly 75%

Crystalline and amorphous structures

Broken down quartz

Vitreous silica-liquid state-result of lightening strikes High availability Low cost

Silica Uses
Glass and optics Ceramics Molds and castings Concrete brick and mortar production insulation Road and river bank construction and repair Pesticides Water filtration Electricity resistant(wires) Sand paper and sand blasting Vitreous: precision instruments (balance, galvanometer, gravimeter)

Analytical Methods

X-ray diffraction
Detection of the wave diffraction off different levels of the

crystalline structure

Infrared and Polarized light microscopy

Infrared: absorption of infrared light at frequencies that

correspond to characteristic vibrations of Si04 Polarized light: polarizes light until the contrast is able to illuminate the crystals.

Chemical method
Dissolve minerals in varying acidic and basic solutions. Rate at

which minerals dissolve, correlates with specific identification (least reliable)

Hazard
Approx. 2 million U.S. workers exposed Silicosis

More susceptible to lung infections Tuberculosis and pneumonocosis

Known human carcinogen

Additive effects from smoking

Disease

Chronic (classic) silicosis

15-20yrs post exposure to mild/moderate amounts Symptoms may not be obvious: shortness of breath,

poor O2/CO2 exchange, fatigue, chest pain, respiratory failure

Accelerated Silicosis
5-10yrs post high exposure Symptoms: severe shortness of breath, weakness,

weight loss

Acute silicosis
Few months-2yrs of high exposure Symptoms: disabling shortness of breath, weakness,

weight loss, often death

Lung tissue
-Polarized image of same lung tissue

http://pathhsw5m54.ucsf.edu/cts/unknown5/birefringc rystals.html

Regulation
ACGIH TLV: 0.025 mg/m3 (8hr) MSHA PEL: 2.0 mg/m3 or 10 mg/m3 divided by the % SiO if >5% Standards set for respirable particles= <4microns IDLH concentration: 50 mg/m3 Affected occupations: sandblasting, foundry workers, mining, tunneling, cement cutting and demolition, masonry work, and granite cutting

Worker Protection
Hazard communication and right to know (self protection) Respirator (N95)program unless engineering controls in place Use substitutes or water sprays Change or shower after work Do not eat, drink, smoke, or apply cosmetics around silica dust

Sources
http://www.uncp.edu/home/mcclurem/ptabl e/silicon/si.htm https://www.osha.gov/dsg/topics/silicacryst alline/rosem/index.html http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha317 6.html