Why Republic Products The Trade Submit Your Project Be Inspired Join Republic Contact Us INDUSTRY STANDARDS Silica Safety TCNA Guidelines Natural Stone Institute Silica Safety Resources GENERAL INFORMATION ON SILICA EXPOSURE This site is intended to provide general information for all employees working in the countertop fabrication industry that may be exposed to silica dust. We encourage you and your team members to review the resources available on Natural Stone Institute and OSHA sites below for additional materials and recommendations to eliminate the silica exposure in your working environment. WHAT IS SILICA AND SILICA DUST? Crystalline silica is a mineral commonly found in natural materials like sand, rock and stone. It can also be found in man-made materials like concrete, tile, brick and mortar. When workers cut or drill into materials that contain silica, tiny dust particles are created. (The technical name for this dust is respirable crystalline silica). Although silica dust may look like ordinary dust, it’s much smaller (about 100 times smaller than sand granules) and much more dangerous. Silica dust is a carcinogen. Over time, breathing this dust can cause the formation of scar tissue in the lungs, which reduces the body’s ability to take in oxygen. Breathing this dust can also cause silicosis, lung cancer, COPD, kidney disease, and certain autoimmune disorders. WHAT IS SILICOSIS? Employees exposed to silica are at risk for developing silicosis. Depending on the severity and length of an employee’s exposure, he or she may develop one of three silicosis types. 3 TYPES OF SILICOSIS Chronic or Classic Silicosis — Occurs after 15 to 20 years of moderate to low exposure. Initially, the symptoms may not be obvious. As the disease progresses, workers experience fatigue, extreme shortness of breath, chest pain and respiratory failure. Accelerated Silicosis — Occurs after 5 to 10 years of high exposure. Symptoms include severe shortness of breath, weakness and weight loss. Acute Silicosis — Occurs after only a few months or up to two years following extremely high exposure. Symptoms include disabling shortness of breath, weakness and weight loss. This form of silicosis is often fatal. Between 3,600 and 7,300 new cases of silicosis are diagnosed in the U.S. every year, but experts believe these figures are much lower than actual occurrences because silicosis is so often overlooked or misdiagnosed. It’s important to note that all forms of silicosis are permanent and irreversible. 3,600-7,300 NEW CASES PER YEAR Between 3,600 and 7,300 new cases of silicosis are diagnosed in the U.S. every year, but experts believe these figures are much lower than actual occurrences because silicosis is so often overlooked or misdiagnosed. It’s important to note that all forms of silicosis are permanent and irreversible. It’s also worth noting that silicosis is 100% preventable, given the proper safety measures. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Natural Stone Institute Silica Page Natural Stone Institute – An Industry Guide To Awareness And Prevention Of Silica Worker Exposure To Silica During Countertop Manufacturing And Installation OSHA’s Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard For The General Industry Understanding Respirable Crystalline Silica Video TCNA Guidelines TCNA is a trade association representing manufacturers of ceramic tile, tile installation materials, tile equipment, raw materials, and other tile-related products. Established in 1945 as the Tile Council of America (TCA), it became the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) in 2003, reflecting its membership expansion to all of North America. The Tile Council is recognized for its leadership role in facilitating the development of North American and international industry quality standards to benefit tile consumers. Additionally, TCNA regularly conducts independent research and product testing, works with regulatory, trade, and other government agencies, offers professional training, and publishes installation guidelines, tile standards, economic reports, and promotional literature. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TNCA Guidelines TNCA Tile Website Natural Stone Institute For over sixty years, the Natural Stone Institute has served as the authoritative source of information on standards of natural stone workmanship and practice and the suitable application of natural stone products. The NSI publishes the Dimension Stone Design Manual which is the stone industry’s single-source reference for dimensional stone design and construction facts and details. LOCATIONS HEADQUARTERS 15167 Business Ave Addison, TX 75001 MANUFACTURING – TEXAS 1400 Warren Dr Marshall, TX 75672 MANUFACTURING – GEORGIA 755 Raco Dr Lawrenceville, GA 30046 DENVER SHOWROOM By appointment only 2771 W Oxford Ave Sheridan, CO 80110 CONTACT US 972-606-9667 Office 972-735-0934 Fax info@republicelite.com Privacy Policy Terms of Use © 2021 Republic Elite. facebook linkedin instagram