title: Silica exposures in workplaces in the United States between 1980 and 1992.
abstract: Between 1980 and 1992, compliance officers of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the United States measured respirable quartz in 1655 inspections in 255 industries. In 52% of the 255 industries where respirable quartz was measured, the average severity value was less than one, indicating average exposures below the permissible exposure limit, and in 48% the permissible exposure limit for silica was exceeded. Among industries where more than 10 facilities were inspected, the most severe respirable quartz exposures were found in fabricated structural metal; painting and paper hanging; nonresidential construction; shipbuilding and repair; masonry and other stone work; bridge, tunnel and elevated highway construction; metal coating, engraving and allied services; and special trades contractors.
authors.affiliation: US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Washington, DC 20210, USA.
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Freeman
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Grossman
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis*; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States; D014489:United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration; D017132:Workplace
chemical_list: D012822:Silicon Dioxide