Crystalline Silica, or quartz as it is often referred to, is a naturally occurring mineral.

Altering this material by sawing, grinding, cutting, polishing, crushing, and drilling creates dust that can contain respirable crystalline silica (RCS).

These dust particles are extremely small—100 times smaller than a grain of sand and much smaller than asbestos fibers—making them invisible to the naked eye. They are easily inhaled deep into the lungs and can remain airborne long after larger particles settle.

It’s these invisible dust particles that pose health risks to those exposed.

RCS is commonly found not only in the ground but in many building materials around us today including concrete, sand, gravel, clay, bricks, tiles, and manufactured stone benchtops.

Typical levels of Crystalline Silica in various materials:

• Sand, Sandstone – 70-100%
• Manufactured Stone – 93%>
• Granite – 20-45%
• Concrete, Mortar – 25-70%
• Calcium-Silicate Bricks – 50%
• Slate – 20-40%
• Brick – Up to 30%
• Fibre Cement Sheeting – 10-30%
• Demolition Dust – 3-4%
• Marble & Limestone – 2%

Typical industries where workers may be exposed to RCS include:

• Engineered Stone benchtops
• Sandstone / Heritage Works
• Concreting – laying, shotcrete, cutting
• Tunnelling and boring
• Quarrying

RCS can be fatal. Exposure may lead to silicosis (lung scarring), lung disease, cancer, and immune system issues including arthritis.
It is estimated that 1 in 100 workers exposed without proper safety measures will develop health issues in their lifetime.
Therefore, appropriate control measures are critical to protect workers against RCS dust:

• Eliminate, minimise or control tasks that generate dust — consider alternative products or work practices.
• Avoid sweeping, blowing, or using compressed air to clean dust from surfaces.
• Provide dust suppression and exhaust ventilation systems.
• Use handheld tools equipped with dust capture systems.
• Employ water cutting/suppression techniques.
• Substitute compressed air cleanup with water or Class M/H vacuums.
• Provide and maintain proper respiratory protection and PPE — respirators must be fit tested to Australian standards and employees clean shaven when using disposable, half, or full-face units.
• Regular training on material handling, PPE maintenance, work processes, and adherence to safety data sheets.
• Conduct regular fit testing and air monitoring.

It is vital that workers exposed to RCS, or concerned about potential health effects, undergo regular health monitoring including chest x-rays and lung function tests.
Organisations such as Safework NSW and WorkCover Qld offer subsidised lung screening.