Dusts
Dusts, including toxic dusts, can be a significant problem. Toxic dust can be created depending on the abrasive material being used and the surface being blasted.
Silica dust and lead dust are typical examples of toxic dust.
Silica dust can cause silicosis, a stiffening and scarring of the lungs, which is a permanent and degenerative illness which may result in death. Breathing in silica dust may also lead to the development of some forms of cancer.
Materials containing more than 2 percent (2%) crystalline silica must not be used in dry abrasive blasting.
Lead is a highly toxic cumulative poison that can be created by:
- using an abrasive material that contains lead
- blasting surfaces containing lead
- blasting surfaces covered by lead paint
If lead is present in an abrasive material or a surface to be blasted, there are certain things that must be done.
Use a less hazardous abrasive material where possible.
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