NIOSH explains that abrasive blasting produces dust from the abrasive, the abraded substrate, and coatings or contaminants on the substrate; respirable silica and other abrasive dusts pose lung risks, and lead-paint blasting can generate lead particles that affect the nervous system.
Source: CDC/NIOSH: Abrasive Blasting ↗Dust entry
Abrasive-blasting dust
Dust generated when high-velocity abrasive particles clean, strip, or texture metal, concrete, and other surfaces.
Airborne form
dust
The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.
Health effects
silicosislung diseaselead-related nervous-system effectsrespiratory irritationskin and eye exposure concern
Evidence
Controls
- complete isolation or enclosure
- substitution of less-hazardous abrasive
- local exhaust ventilation
- wet methods
- HEPA filtration
- appropriate respiratory protection