As a main component in sand, rock and concrete, silica is among the most common health hazards New Brunswick’s workers are facing.

CAREX Canada* estimates that approximately 429,000 workers in Canada are occupationally exposed to silica.

 

Once released into the air as dust, respirable silica can lead to serious illnesses such as silicosis and lung cancer.

Silica is a hazard in many industries. Workers in construction are particularly susceptible to silica exposure.

If you work with these materials, you could be exposed to respirable silica:

Cement

 

Bricks

 

Stones, sand, or gravel

 

Glass

Tiles and ceramics

Engineered stone and granite

Silica can become respirable when any of these products are handled, manipulated, or processed in some way that generates dust.

Respirable silica dust contains small particles which can be inhaled and travel deep into the worker’s lungs. Here, it’s crystalline structure allows it to insert into the lung tissue. Scar tissue builds up around the silica particles and leads to a decrease in lung function which can result in lung diseases such as silicosis and lung cancer.

Silica can be especially hazardous when working with engineered stone products.

 

Silica Control Tool

Available to all New Brunswick employers, the Silica Control Tool allows to anticipate exposures for a specific task, select appropriate controls, and establish an Exposure Control Plan detailing personal protective equipment required – all without the need for elaborate and costly sampling.

Simple, easy to use and data driven, the Silica Control Tool provides workplaces with a convenient way to reduce the serious risks posed by Respirable Silica.

How to use the Silica Control Tool: