Crystalline silica is found in materials such as concrete, masonry and rock. When these materials are made into a fine dust and suspended in the air, breathing in these fine particles can produce lung damage. Initially there may be no symptoms. Infectious complications may cause fever, weight loss, and night sweats. See a physician if you experience these symptoms and suspect that you are exposed to crystalline silica.
Most crystalline silica comes in the form of quartz.
Concrete and masonry products contain quartz in the form of sand. Therefore, there are many ways to be exposed at construction sites. Abrasive blasting of concrete. Chipping, hammering, and drilling rock. Crushing, loading, hauling, and dumping rock.