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News Release from: Health and Safety Executive | Subject: Workplace Exposure Limit
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 05 December 2005
HSC proposal for new Workplace Exposure
Limit
The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has published a consultative document seeking comments on a proposal for a new Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) for respirable crystalline silica.
Every year nearly 2 million employees are exposed to Crystalline Silica The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has today published a consultative document seeking comments on a proposal for a new Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) for respirable crystalline silica
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 3 Oct 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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Crystalline silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in almost all types of rock, sands, clays etc, and in building materials made from these materials such as bricks, tiles and concrete.
HSE estimates that at least 100,000 workers are exposed to dust containing respirable crystalline silica on a regular basis in a diverse range of industries including mining, quarrying, brick/tile and ceramic manufacture, construction, foundries and stone-masonry.
Long-term exposure to dusts containing respirable crystalline silica can lead to the development of silicosis, a slowly developing irreversible lung disease.
Heavy and prolonged exposures under conditions that are sufficient to cause silicosis can also lead to an increased risk of lung cancer.
Evidence suggests that a WEL of 0.1 mg.m-3 for crystalline silica would in the long-term, considerably reduce the risk of workers developing silicosis.
The consultation document can be found on HSE's website at: www.hse.gov.uk/consult/live.htm.
Comments can be sent by e-mail to Silica.consultation@hse.gsi.gov.uk or to Pauline Dillon, Health and Safety Executive, Policy Group, Room 101 Daniel House, Stanley Precinct, Bootle, Liverpool, L20 3TW.
Comments should be sent by 13th March 2006.
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