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Crystalline silica
NEW CHAPTER: Published July 2024
This chapter explains the health risks of crystalline silica and how to manage your obligations in relation to engineered stone.
Health risks of crystalline silica
Definition: Crystalline Silica
Crystalline silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in most rocks, sand and clay; and in products like bricks, concrete, tile and engineered stone.
Crystalline silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in most rocks, sand and clay; and in products like bricks, concrete, tile and engineered stone.
There is a health risk when workers cut, crush, drill, polish, saw or grind products that contain crystalline silica, as it can cause small dust particles to lodge deep in the lungs. These dust particles are called silica dust or respirable crystalline silica.