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Frac Sand is crystalline silica small, uniformly round quartz grains very strong and crush resistant
People living downwind of frac sand mining, processing or hauling operations could be exposed to low concentrations of airborne crystalline silica. What are the possible health concerns from exposure to crystalline silica? Diseases associated with crystalline silica exposure include: o Diseases of the lungs including silicosis, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tuberculosis, and lung cancer. o Immune system diseases Disease risk is related to both the levels and duration of crystalline silica exposure. The onset of disease may occur long after the exposure has stopped. At high concentrations in the air: The effect of crystalline silica in humans has been well studied. The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration does have a permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica set for occupational exposures. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health also has a recommended exposure limit. There is research which suggests the current occupational limits may not be protective enough. At lower concentrations in the air: We do not currently know what impacts silica has at lower concentrations such as those typically found in ambient air. This is an area of on-going research.
July 2012 Frac Sand Mining in Minnesota - English