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BMF
BV |
Franklinstraat
9 |
9285 WT Buitenpost
(NL) |
T: +31 (0)
511 424555 |
F: +31 (0)
511 423963 |
E: info@bmf-bv.com |
I: www.bmf-bv.com |
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What is quartz dust? |
Quartz
(silicon dioxide) occurs in building materials:
lime-sandstone, concrete and brick. It can also
be found in natural stone types like rock-crystal.
Here we shall explain to you what quartz dust
is and in which materials it occurs.
When processing stony materials, like milling,
sawing, drilling and grinding, (inhalable) quartz
dust will be generated. This is very fine dust
with an average diameter of 4 micrometer. It will
only be generated if building materials are being
processed, e.g. are being sawn. Dust that is on
the floor after finishing the work and that will
be swept, can also contain particles of inhalable
quartz dust.
Quartz dust is injurious to health. The amount
which is generated depends on the percentage of
quartz in the material and the type of proces.
|
| Percentage
of quartz in construction materials |
| Concrete |
20 - 30
% |
| Concrete
stone |
25 - 40
% |
| Aerated
concrete |
12 - 44
% |
| Lime-sandstone |
30 - 83
% |
| Sandstone |
50 - 90
% |
| Brick |
10 - 25
% |
| Debris |
1 - 14
% |
| Ceramics |
15 - 28
% |
|
The percentages are global
figures. The percentage of quartz in concrete
depends e.g. on the nature and amount of admixtures.
This counts also for other materials. There, the
admixtures also determine the percentage of quartz.
The nature of admixtures may vary from country
to country. Beach sand or sand on a construction
road does, in general, not contain inhalable quartz
dust.
For exemple: an electrician makes a blank in a
wall for a power line. Although the work does
not seem dusty, quartz dust is nonetheless generated.
Or: a tiler is grinding a floor tile with a right
angle grinder. This kind of high-speed work generates
a lot of quartz dust.
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