Internet Health Research on Stone Dust

Updated 3/31/25

Exposure to silica dust, which is a common component of stone dust, is linked to an increased risk of lung cancer and other serious respiratory diseases, including silicosis. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Bluestone, also known as basalt, can contain up to 10% of crystalline silica.

Here's a more detailed explanation: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

• Silica Dust and Carcinogenic Risk: Stone dust, particularly when it contains respirable crystalline silica (RCS), poses a significant health risk, as prolonged exposure can lead to lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
• How it Works: When stone dust containing RCS is inhaled, the particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring (silicosis), which can increase the risk of lung cancer. [3, 4, 5, 6, 7]
• Occupational Hazards: Construction workers, quarry workers, and those involved in industries that process stone or concrete are at a higher risk of exposure to silica dust and its associated health risks. [2, 3, 4, 7, 8]
• Other Health Effects: Besides lung cancer, silica dust exposure can also lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders. [2, 4, 7]
• International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Classification: The IARC classified crystalline silica as a human carcinogen in 1997. [5]
• Prevention and Mitigation: To reduce the risk, it is crucial to implement safety measures in workplaces, such as using wet cutting techniques, local exhaust ventilation, and providing workers with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), like respirators. [8, 9]

[1] https://www.airbench.com/latest/health-risks-associated-with-stone-dust-exposure/

[2] https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/workplace-cancer/silica-dust

[3] https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/crystalline-silica

[4] https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/cancer-and-construction/silica-dust.htm

[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6207090/

[6] https://news.ki.se/high-risk-of-lung-cancer-from-silica-dust-below-current-limit

[7] https://braytonlaw.com/blog/2024/05/27/diseases-associated-with-artificial-stone/

[8] https://stopcarcinogensatwork.eu/occupations/stone-mason/

[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyk2FevxPWo

OSHA requires employers to protect workers from respirable crystalline silica, a common component of stone dust, by limiting worker exposure to a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 µg/m3 as an 8-hour time-weighted average. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Here's a detailed breakdown of OSHA's requirements:

1. Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): [1, 2, 3, 4]

• The PEL for respirable crystalline silica is 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air (50 µg/m3) as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA).
• Employers must ensure that no employee is exposed to airborne concentrations of respirable crystalline silica in excess of this limit. [1, 2, 3, 4]

2. Exposure Control Measures: [5, 6, 7]

• Engineering Controls: Employers must implement engineering controls, such as local exhaust ventilation, to reduce worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica to or below the PEL. [5, 6, 7]
• Work Practices: Employers must implement work practices, such as wet methods for cutting and grinding stone, to minimize dust generation. [5, 6, 7]
• Respiratory Protection: If engineering and work practice controls are not sufficient to reduce exposure to or below the PEL, employers must provide and require the use of appropriate respirators. [5, 6]
• Housekeeping: Employers must implement effective housekeeping procedures to prevent the accumulation of dust, including prohibiting dry sweeping or brushing unless wet sweeping, HEPA-filtered vacuuming, or other methods that minimize exposure are not feasible. [8]
• Regulated Areas: Employers must establish regulated areas where employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica is, or can reasonably be expected to be, in excess of the PEL and limit access to these areas. [9]

3. Monitoring and Medical Surveillance: [5, 10]

• Monitoring: Employers must conduct initial and periodic monitoring to determine employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica. [5, 10]
• Medical Surveillance: Employers must provide medical surveillance for employees exposed to respirable crystalline silica. [5, 6]

4. Training and Education: [5, 7]

• Employers must provide training to employees on the hazards of respirable crystalline silica and the measures to protect themselves. [5, 7]

5. Recordkeeping: [5]

• Employers must maintain records of employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica and medical surveillance results. [5]

[1] https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3768.pdf

[2] https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.1153

[3] https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/silica/work/index.html

[4] https://www.csunitec.com/resource-center/white-papers/osha-silica-dust-regulations-compliance

[5] https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/osha3681.pdf

[6] https://oizom.com/osha-dust-regulations/

[7] https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/safety/silica.html

[8] https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/SilicaGeneralIndustryFAQs.pdf

[9] https://www.osha.gov/silica-crystalline/general-industry-info

[10] https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_publications/Silica-ETS-What-Employers-Need-To-Know.pdf