OSHA Addresses Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica

LA Testing provides testing services for crystalline silica and other respirable materials to protect workers.

Garden Grove, CA

Next month the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will address the proposed Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica Rule. The agency intends on lowering the Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) for industry.

According to an OSHA Fact Sheet on crystalline silica, “Silica exposure remains a serious threat to nearly 2 million U.S. workers, including more than 100,000 workers in high risk jobs such as abrasive blasting, foundry work, stonecutting, rock drilling, quarry work and tunneling. The seriousness of the health hazards associated with silica exposure is demonstrated by the fatalities and disabling illnesses that continue to occur in sandblasters and rock drillers. Crystalline silica has been classified as a human lung carcinogen. Additionally, breathing crystalline silica dust can cause silicosis, which in severe cases can be disabling, or even fatal. The respirable silica dust enters the lungs and causes the formation of scar tissue, thus reducing the lungs’ ability to take in oxygen. There is no cure for silicosis. Since silicosis affects lung function, it makes one more susceptible to lung infections like tuberculosis. In addition, smoking causes lung damage and adds to the damage caused by breathing silica dust.”

LA Testing, an affiliate of EMSL Analytical, is a leading provider of crystalline silica testing services. “Silicosis is classified into three types that typically take between a few months and up to 20 years of exposure to appear in people,” reported Ben Sublasky, National Director of Client Services for LA Testing and EMSL Analytical. “If the new Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica Rule is implemented it could dramatically reduce worker exposure. At LA Testing we have the expertise to help government agencies and industry monitor for crystalline silica to prevent unnecessary illness and even death from prolonged exposure.”

To learn more about crystalline silica or other environmental testing services please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Ben Sublasky

National Director of Clients Services/Operations Manager

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Contact via E-mail