Stone dust is produced as a by-product of processes such as the blasting, crushing, drilling, grinding, sanding, polishing, sandblasting, and cutting of stone.
Industries that work with stone products include quarrying, mining, demolition, construction, stone masonry and manufacturing, fitting and installation, and foundries.
Stone dust is characterised by its fine, powdery to sandy texture and the particle size is generally similar to that of sand grains, or can be even finer in some circumstances.
Dependant on the type of stone, and the processing undertaken on that stone, dust can contain numerous constituent elements including silica, quartz, silicone dioxide, alumina, iron oxides, potassium oxide, sodium oxide, calcium carbonate, and magnesium oxide, in which all can be hazardous to humans.
Workers who process stone can develop occupational lung diseases caused by breathing in stone dust, particularly if it contains respirable crystalline silica (RCS).
Given the health risks associated with stone dust, it is crucial for employers to implement effective dust control measures.
Written by Daniel Prosser, MSc CMIOSH L4DipFRA OSHCR
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Professional