Respirable Crystalline Silica in Construction: Preventing Exposure

Course Description:

This Respirable Crystalline Silica in Construction presentation will help prepare workers at construction sites to recognize potential exposures to hazardous silica dust and take measures to prevent exposure. At the end of the presentation workers will be able to describe respirable crystalline silica and the health effects of exposure to silica dust, at-risk activities on construction worksites that involve airborne release of silica dust, and how to take effective precautions to prevent exposure.

Why “Respirable Crystalline Silica in Construction: Preventing Exposure” Matters:

Every year, more than 250 workers in the United States die from silicosis, an incurable, progressive lung disease caused by overexposure to dust containing silica. Hundreds more become disabled by this disease.

Key Points:

• Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a chemical compound that is made of the most common elements on earth, silicon and oxygen. It’s also the most abundant compound in the earth’s crust.
• Simply put, silica is everywhere. If you’ve touched a rock or been to the beach, you’ve handled silica.
• Inhaling crystalline silica dust can lead to other serious, sometimes fatal illnesses, including lung cancer, tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.
• In addition, silica exposure has been linked to other illnesses, including renal disease and other cancers.
• This training session will cover everything you need to know about respirable crystalline silica and how to protect yourself and others each day on the job.