We wrote an article for the UK’s leading construction industry magazine to raise awareness of the dangers of respirable crystalline silica.
Susan Lett, Cura Terrae’s Occupational Hygiene Director, wrote about respirable crystalline silica (RCS) for the latest issue of The Construction Index, the UK’s leading construction industry magazine.
Labelled “the next asbestos”, RCS is a key concern in occupational health and safety. It comprises tiny particles of silica that can reach deep into the lungs and cause life-changing diseases such as silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Construction workers are particularly at risk as the mineral is found in many building materials including bricks, tiles, concrete, mortar and stone. Dust containing RCS is generated when cutting, drilling, or grinding these materials.
The British Occupational Hygiene Society estimates that 500 UK construction workers die each year from silicosis and silica is linked to the 4,000 deaths a year from COPD.
In the article, we wrote that the best way to reduce the risks of RCS exposure is to use silica-free or reduced-silica materials. While there is a growing market for silica-free stone, alternatives to most critical building materials remain under development.
With conventional materials still widely used, we discussed:
- Ways to reduce the amount of silica dust produced before work even starts.
- The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations and the process of risk assessment, control, monitoring and surveillance.
- The Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) for RCS and why levels should be kept “as low as reasonably practical”.
- Where to go for extra information and resources.
With silica-related diseases often preventable, we hope that the article will help to raise awareness of RCS and improve safety for those working in construction. Read it here.
The Construction Index is the leading online site for information about the construction business. The platform’s magazine features a range of news, insights, and analysis for people across the industry.
