Silica Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, December 11, 2024

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health describes silicosis as a spectrum of lung diseases caused by inhalation of free crystalline silica. Silicosis is incurable and can lead to disability and death.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines crystalline silica as a common mineral found in the earth's crust. Materials like sand, stone, concrete, and mortar contain it. It is also used to make products such as glass, pottery, ceramics, bricks, and artificial stone. The agency goes on to share that respirable crystalline silica are very small particles, at least 100 times smaller than ordinary sand one might find on beaches and playgrounds.

Respirable crystalline silica is created when cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling, and crushing stone, rock, concrete, brick, block, and mortar. Activities such as abrasive blasting with sand; sawing brick or concrete; sanding or drilling into concrete walls; grinding mortar; manufacturing brick, concrete blocks, stone countertops, or ceramic products; and cutting or crushing stone can result in worker exposures to respirable crystalline silica dust.

Workers who inhale these crystalline silica particles are at increased risk of developing serious silica-related diseases warns OSHA. In addition to silicosis, they could also develop:

• Lung cancer
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Kidney disease

“Unfortunately, workers from a broad range of industries are still being exposed to crystalline silica,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “In fact, some 2.3 million people in the U.S. are exposed to silica at work, according to OSHA. To protect workers from exposure, the agency has issued two respirable crystalline silica standards, one for construction, and the other for general industry and maritime.”

Dedicated to helping businesses safeguard their employees from respirable hazards to silica and other substances are the industrial hygiene, environmental, and material testing experts at EMSL Analytical. With laboratories across North America, EMSL also provides sampling supplies, air monitoring instruments, and personal protective equipment (PPE). They have even sponsored an educational video about exposure risks for developing silicosis that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/a9Hn2lxrJBE 

To learn more about testing for crystalline silica or for access to sampling supplies, air monitoring instruments, and PPE, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.