Abstract

Crystalline silica is an important component of materials commonly used in the construction industry, including sand, concrete and brick. Its prolonged inhalation at high concentrations may cause a lung disease called silicosis. This substance is also recognized as carcinogenic when inhaled in the workplace, and deaths have been associated with it. The construction industry is complex, with a multitude of trades, tasks, materials and tools that can be linked to crystalline silica exposure.

The authors painted a general picture of the situation, identified the most hazardous workstations and functions based on their exposure level, and the means of controlling exposure and their effectiveness, and finally, developed a database on exposure to silica dusts, compiling the literature data in a form usable by researchers and preventionists. The database is available on IRSST website: http://www.irsst.qc.ca/-outil-bd-exposition-silice.html

Recommendations for limiting worker exposure to crystalline silica complete the report.