A study by the CDC found significant exposure to crystaline silica during hydraulic fracturing operations. The sand in the process is used to keep holes open to allow the retrieval of natural gas.
Respirable dust samples (116) were taken at 11 sites throughout the US. 47% of them exceeded the OSHA PEL for silica. 36% of the samples exceeded the NIOSH REL by more than a factor of 10. This means that half faced respirators would not provide adequate protection.
There is also a field effort to determine chemical exposures to oil and natural gas workers. NIOSH is funding this study and is looking for companies to volunteer to participate.
Respirable dust samples (116) were taken at 11 sites throughout the US. 47% of them exceeded the OSHA PEL for silica. 36% of the samples exceeded the NIOSH REL by more than a factor of 10. This means that half faced respirators would not provide adequate protection.
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| http://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2012/05/silica-fracking/ |
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