Real-time Respirable Silica Monitoring

What is respirable silica dust and why do I need to monitor it?

Silica is a common mineral found in various materials such as sand, stone, and concrete. While naturally occurring, silica poses significant health risks when inhaled in fine dust form. Silica that can be inhaled as a fine dust is called respirable crystalline silica (RCS).

RCS is a major health concern in the US, particularly for workers exposed to this material. Key health problems linked to RCS exposure include Silicosis, Lung Cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diease (COPD) and Kidney Disease. 

OSHA has implemented stringent regulations to protect workers, mandating lower exposure limits and requiring regular monitoring. Some industries that require silica monitoring include construction, mining and quarrying and demolition. Hazardous activities include concrete cutting, sandblasting, and excavating silica containing soils 

How to monitor for RCS using the Aeroqual Ranger

Specto Technology’s Ranger provides a real-time monitoring solution for RCS by measuring the concentration of respirable dust in the breathing zone of a worker.  

Personalized monitoring for each worker captures precise data, reflecting the varying concentrations across different worksite areas. Continuous, real-time monitoring empowers you to track trends and swiftly adjust safety measures as needed. 

Real-time monitoring of RCS can be used in conjunction with OSHA laboratory methods (gravimetric sampling) to establish site-specific alert levels that are based on the % of RCS in a sample of respirable dust and minimize the number of samples that need to be taken.  

As a conservative measure, the OSHA RCS exposure limit of 50 ug/m3 (8 hour TWA) can be used in the absence or laboratory samples to alert workers if they are in danger of being exposed to RCS and prevent long-term health issues. 

Gravimetric samples are expensive, take time to collect and the results can take weeks to be reported by an accredited laboratory. With the Aeroqual Ranger, employers can monitor exposure in real-time and take action immediately if required.