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DescriptionCircumstances of exposure and related occupations
Quartz, the most common crystalline polymorph of silica found in nature, is abundant in most rock types, notably granites, sandstones, and quartzites, and in sands and soils. Workers may be exposed to crystalline silica in a large variety of industries and occupations because of the wide usage of quartz-containing materials:
  • activities that involve movement of soil (e.g. mining, farming, construction, quarrying);
  • disassemblyof silica-containing products (e.g. demolition of masonry and concrete);
  • handling or use of sand-containing and other silica-containing products (e.g. foundry processes, such as casting, furnace installation and repair; abrasive blasting; production of glass, ceramics, abrasives, cement).