Silica (SiO2) measurement is an occupational hygiene measurement carried out to determine the amount and concentration of respirable crystalline silica (quartz, cristobalite, tridymite) dust present in workplace air to which workers are exposed. In industrial operations where rocks, stones, sand, ceramics, concrete, glass, and mineral raw materials are processed, crystalline silica dust can be released. Prolonged inhalation of fine respirable silica dust leads to incurable pulmonary diseases such as silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Enterprises processing silica-containing materials must regularly measure respirable dust and free silica concentrations, monitor workers’ personal exposure levels, and implement dust suppression and extraction measures.
WHAT IS SILICA (SiO2) MEASUREMENT?
Silica measurement is the process of collecting respirable dust fractions from workplace air onto membrane filters using cyclone-type size-selective samplers and personal sampling pumps, followed by laboratory analysis to determine the percentage and concentration of free crystalline silica (quartz). As a result of measurement, respirable dust concentration and crystalline silica exposure levels (mg/m³) are determined.
Silica measurements are conducted as personal exposure measurements taken within the worker’s breathing zone or as ambient area measurements in dusty process areas.
WHY IS SILICA EXPOSURE IMPORTANT?
Crystalline silica dust penetrates deep into pulmonary alveoli, causing irreversible fibrotic tissue damage and silicosis disease. Because silicosis has no medical cure, prevention through environmental control and exposure monitoring is of vital importance.
Thanks to silica measurements:
- Respirable dust and crystalline silica concentrations are determined
- Workers’ personal silica exposure levels are measured
- Compliance with statutory occupational exposure limits is verified
- The effectiveness of wet suppression and local exhaust ventilation is evaluated
- The risk of developing silicosis and occupational respiratory diseases is reduced
In conclusion, regularly conducted silica measurements protect employees from fatal lung diseases and ensure compliance with occupational hygiene regulations.
SILICA MEASUREMENT PARAMETERS
The main silica measurement parameters we carry out as Haliç Occupational Hygiene Laboratory are as follows:
- Respirable crystalline silica (SiO2) measurement
- Quartz silica analysis in respirable dust
- Quartz silica analysis in total dust
- Personal respirable silica exposure measurement
- Ambient area silica concentration measurement
HOW IS SILICA (SiO2) MEASUREMENT PERFORMED?
Silica measurement is performed following standardized methodology in accordance with occupational hygiene standards:
- Silica-containing raw materials, crushing, cutting, grinding, and handling areas are identified
- Exposed worker groups and measurement locations are planned
- Respirable dust samples are collected onto PVC filters using calibrated pumps and cyclone fractionators
- Sampling is maintained across representative work shifts
- Sample filters are safely packaged and delivered to the laboratory
- Laboratory analysis is conducted to determine silica content and mass concentration, benchmarked against limit values and reported
Sampling must be performed with cyclone heads adjusted to the appropriate critical flow rate to capture only the respirable dust fraction.
In which industrial sectors is silica exposure risk highest?
Silica exposure risk is highest in stone quarries, mining, marble and granite processing, ceramics and porcelain factories, glass manufacturing, concrete and cement plants, foundries, construction and demolition sites, and sandblasting operations.
What is the statutory occupational exposure limit value for crystalline silica?
Pursuant to occupational health and safety regulations, the 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) occupational exposure limit value for respirable crystalline silica (quartz) is 0.1 mg/m³ (in some regulations 0.05 mg/m³).
How often should silica measurements be conducted?
- Periodically in accordance with risk assessment schedules
- When new stone, sand, or mineral raw materials are introduced
- When cutting, crushing, or grinding processes change
- When dust extraction or wet suppression systems are modified
- During official audits and inspections
SILICA (SiO2) MEASUREMENT AND TECHNICAL REPORTING
Haliç Occupational Hygiene Laboratory conducts respirable dust sampling and crystalline silica analyses using calibrated instrumentation and standard analytical methods, providing comprehensive technical reports benchmarked against statutory limit values.
In conclusion, enterprises obtain reliable analytical data to control silica dust hazards, protect worker health, and fulfill legal obligations.
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