Some of the most routine construction tasks can quietly release hazardous silica dust into the air—often without anyone realizing the long-term risk.
Why It Matters:
When silica dust is airborne and inhaled, it can cause irreversible lung damage. Identifying which tasks release silica helps teams implement the right controls before exposure happens.
Key Points:
- Cutting, grinding, or drilling concrete, brick, tile, or stone generates high levels of silica dust.
- Using handheld saws, chipping tools, or jackhammers during demolition also contributes to airborne silica.
- Mixing dry concrete or mortar can release dust if done without precautions.
- Sweeping or using compressed air to clean dusty surfaces stirs up settled silica and creates inhalation risks.
- Masonry, tunneling, and excavation may disturb materials with natural crystalline silica content.
- Workers near these operations—even if not directly performing the task—are also at risk from drift or accumulation.
✅ Know the tasks. Control the dust. Protect your lungs.
Ask the Crew:
- What silica-generating tasks are happening today?
- Are we using dust controls and PPE properly?
- Could anyone nearby be affected by our work?
