Cs. Freeman et Ea. Grossman, SILICA EXPOSURES IN WORKPLACES IN THE UNITED-STATES BETWEEN 1980 AND 1992, Scandinavian journal of work, environment & health, 21, 1995, pp. 47-49
Between 1980 and 1992, compliance officers of the Occupational Safety
and Health Administration in the United States measured respirable qua
rtz in 1655 inspections in 255 industries. In 52% of the 255 industrie
s where respirable quartz was measured, the average severity value was
less than one, indicating average exposures below the permissible exp
osure limit, and in 48% the permissible exposure limit for silica was
exceeded. Among industries where more than 10 facilities were inspecte
d, the most severe respirable quartz exposures were found in fabricate
d structural metal; painting and paper hanging; nonresidential constru
ction; shipbuilding and repair; masonry and other stone work; bridge,
tunnel and elevated highway construction metal coating, engraving and
allied services; and special trades contractors.