How many workers are exposed to dusts containing crystalline silica?
More than 2 million U.S. workers are potentially exposed to dusts containing crystalline silica. More than 100,000 of them are in high-risk occupations, including sandblasting. Most sandblasters work in construction and shipbuilding. Workers may be exposed to crystalline silica in many other industries, including surface and underground mining, pottery, drywall hanging, glassmaking, foundry work, quarry work, work with sandblasting materials, agriculture, and automotive repair.
