A NIOSH health-hazard evaluation of a silicone corporation measured silica and mica powder exposures and reported worker symptoms including upper-respiratory irritation, congestion, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and skin rash.
Source: CDC/NIOSH: HETA 75-183-303 — S.W.S. Silicone Corporation health-hazard evaluation ↗Dust entry
Silicone-manufacturing silica and mica dust
Silica and mica powder particulate generated during silicone-product manufacturing and related powder-handling operations.
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
upper-respiratory irritationnasal congestionshortness of breathwheezingcoughingskin rashsilicosis concern
Evidence
Controls
- enclosed powder handling
- local exhaust ventilation
- dust suppression
- skin and eye protection
- exposure monitoring
- appropriate respiratory protection