Particle size distribution and particle size-related crystalline silica content in granite quarry dust.
Previous studies indicate that the relationship between empirically derived particle counts, particle mass determinations, and particle size-related silica content are not constant within mines or across mine work tasks. To better understand the variability of particle size distributions and variations in silica content by particle size in a granite quarry, exposure surveys were conducted with side-by-side arrays of four closed face cassettes, four cyclones, four personal environmental monitors, and a real-time particle counter. In general, the proportion of silica increased as collected particulate size increased, but samples varied in an inconstant way. Significant differences in particle size distributions were seen depending on the extent of ventilation and the nature and activity of work performed. Such variability raises concerns about the adequacy of silica exposure assessments based on only limited numbers of samples or short-term samples.
Sirianni
Greg
G
Department of Occupational Safety and Health Management, University of New Haven, West Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Hosgood
Howard Dean
HD
Slade
Martin D
MD
Borak
Jonathan
J
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D004391:Dust; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008906:Mining; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D010316:Particle Size; D011791:Quartz / Q000737:chemistry; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D004391:Dust; C007886:granite; D011791:Quartz; D012822:Silicon Dioxide