Silica Safety Information and Warnings

Silica in stone refers to naturally occurring mineral crystalline silica which is a common component of various rocks, natural stone, and artificial stone products like engineered stone. When these materials are processed or cut, they can release silica dust. Silica dust can contain inhalable particles known as respirable crystalline silica which can pose a health hazard. Please see the warnings below and follow the reference links to obtain more detailed information. Materials such as engineered quartz have a high silica content and require strict dust control measures and protective equipment.

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including crystalline silica which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

CAUTION: REPEATED INHALATION OF SILICA DUST CAN BE HARMFUL. Repeated inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust from cutting, grinding, polishing, intentional breaking, machining, sweeping, or other clean-up tasks during stone fabrication, processing, and finishing can cause acute lung injury, silicosis (an incurable lung disease), lung cancer, or other diseases. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Stone West strongly recommends that stone fabricators and installers strictly adhere to the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (www.osha.gov), US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (www.cdc.gov/niosh), and California Proposition 65 (www.P65Warnings.ca.gov).

Recommended protective measures for stone fabricators, include but are not limited to the following. Please visit the links for additional safety methods.

  • Do Not Breathe Dust – Do not dry cut. Use wet cutting methods and local exhaust ventilation.
  • Wear Respiratory Protection from Dust – Use properly fitted NIOSH-approved respirators (www.cdc.gov/niosh) and/or the Cal/OSHA standard (www.dir.ca.gov/dosh).
  • Use Dust Controls – Use tools equipped with water delivery systems or dust collection devices.
  • Segregate Processing Work – Segregate work involving repeated cutting, grinding, polishing, intentional breaking, or machining.
  • Clean Properly – Avoid dry sweeping or compressed air; use wet methods or HEPA-filtered vacuums.
  • Wash Thoroughly – Wash hands, face, and exposed skin after work to remove silica dust. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse and do not take work clothes home.
  • Get Training – Follow OSHA’s silica standards exposure control plan (www.osha.gov).

Stone West offers a line of personal protective equipment (PPE) including advanced respirator systems, particulate filtration systems, respirator masks, eye protection, and gloves available for purchase. View our Professional Supplies.