Mines where substantial quantities of quartz-bearing rock must be mined through or drilled during the mining process are the most likely to have high concentrations of quartz in respirable dust.
Overexposure can result in silicosis, a lung disease which in severe cases can be fatal.
We have begun working with underground coal mine operators and miners to determine how successful their current methods to control silica dust are and to encourage adoption of the latest control techniques. Our agency also will be working to increase the awareness of the health risk from silica exposure by educating both miners and mine operators. MSHA health specialists will visit selected underground coal mines over the next four to five months to discuss the silica hazard with miners and mine operators, take special samples, analyze the quartz dust control techniques in use, and assist mine operators in trying new control methods. The program will concentrate on mines that are likely to exhibit significant quartz concentrations in respirable dust due to their geologic features and mining methods. Mine operators who are participating in the MSHA program will be encouraged to try innovative methods to control quartz dust.