Dust entry

Hydraulic-fracturing silica dust

Respirable crystalline silica dust generated during hydraulic-fracturing operations involving silica sand.

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 cancer concernrespiratory disease concern

Evidence

OSHA and NIOSH identify airborne silica exposure as a health hazard during some hydraulic-fracturing operations and report that workers may encounter high levels of respirable crystalline silica dust.

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page 1 · Introduction · 1

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) identified exposure to airborne silica as a health hazard to workers conducting some hydraulic fracturing operations during recent field studies. NIOSH’s recent field studies show that workers may be exposed to dust with high levels of respirable crystalline silica during hydraulic fracturing.

The Hazard Alert states that breathing silica dust can cause serious disease and recommends worker protection and dust controls.

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page 2 · Health Effects of Silica Exposure · 1

Breathing in silica dust can cause silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and kidney disease.

Controls

enclosed sand transfer
local exhaust ventilation
dust suppression
wet methods
exposure monitoring
appropriate respiratory protection
medical surveillance