How to protect construction workers from exposure to respirable Crystalline Silica during Asphalt Pavement Milling
Construction workers who are exposed to respirable crystalline silica have a high risk of developing silicosis, a debilitating and sometimes fatal lung disease. Lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as renal disease are also common among workers who are exposed to silica dust.
0.05 mg/m3 is NIOSH’s respirable crystalline silica Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) but many worker’s exposure exceed this limit.
Construction workers involved in asphalt pavement mining are among the workers who are the most at risk of being overexposed to respirable Crystalline Silica.