Silica is an abundant mineral in the earth’s crust. When workers inhale crystalline silica dust, it can lead to silicosis, a disease characterized by scarring of lung tissue that can cause difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe cough, weakness, and other symptoms. There is no cure for silicosis, and it can be fatal. Silica exposure has also been linked to lung cancer, kidney disease, and other respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Activities and industries at risk for silica exposure include:

• Construction, particularly during operations including masonry, grinding, using jackhammers, milling, rock crushing, drywall finishing, and using heavy equipment during earthmoving;
• Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) of oil and gas wells;
• Foundry work;
• Brick, concrete, and pottery manufacturing; and
• Sandblasting.

In 2016, OSHA published a final rule reducing the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for silica. The final rule also includes requirements for medical surveillance and control methods. There are two separate standards: one for general industry and maritime (29 CFR 1910.1053), and one for construction (29 CFR 1926.1153).