Compilation and Evaluation of Ambient Respirable Crystalline Silica Air Quality Data near Sand Quarries and Processing Facilities

Ambient respirable crystalline silica air quality is of concern to many communities near mineral processing facilities and regulatory agencies serving these communities. Accurate data are needed compare measured concentrations at the fencelines with published health effect guideline by California Office Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). This article a compilation evaluation studies around diverse set nineteen sand producing facilities. The compiled Air Control Techniques, P.C. most other researchers cited in this have been using EPA Reference Method samplers adjusted for sampling NIOSH 7500 X-ray diffraction analyses. authors conclude that (1) ambient were consistently lower than 3.0 microgram per cubic meter chronic reference exposure level (REL) adopted OEHHA, (2) upwind-to-downwind fenceline concentration differences small, (3) t often background levels. recommend additional better characterize silica.