It's Never Safe To Blast With Silica Sand
No matter how cautious you may feel while wearing a respirator while blasting with silica sand, the truth is that it remains immensely dangerous and should be avoided.
WHAT IS SILICA SAND?
It's crucial to avoid using any abrasive material that contains crystalline silica, beach sand, river sand, metal refining slags, silicates, or any traces of heavy metals or biological micro-organisms. Exposure to these materials can lead to severe illness or even death. When in doubt, it's better to err on the side of caution and avoid using any abrasive material that may pose a risk to your health. We recommend using crushed glass as an abrasive because it's environmentally friendly, can be used on many applications and contain less than 1% free silica.
WHY ISN’T SILICA SAFE?
Crystalline silica is classified as a Class 1 Carcinogen, meaning it has the potential to cause cancer. Even more alarming, blasting with any form of silica sand can lead to fatal consequences. Additionally, silica sand can contain other hazardous materials such as heavy metals, which can further increase health risks.
THE HEALTH RISKS
Silica sand may seem harmless, but when it breaks down into minuscule particles, it becomes a deadly hazard. Breathing in these tiny particles can lead to a debilitating lung condition known as silicosis, where the particles become trapped and form fibrotic nodules. It's not just workers who are at risk, though. Those in proximity to contaminated clothing can also be affected, making it imperative to avoid using any abrasive material that contains silica sand. Be cautious and consider the health risks before taking any chances.
Approved Abrasives To Blast With
- Crushed Glass
- Glass Beads
- Steel Grit
- Steel Shot
- Plastic Bead Media
- Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda)
- Corn Cob
- And many more..
For more on how to choose the right media, view this guide.