Crystalline Silica Dust (RCS)
CAS Number:
14808-60-7
Crystalline silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in sand, rock, and soil. The most common form, quartz, is present in construction materials such as concrete, mortar, brick, and stone. When materials containing crystalline silica are cut, drilled, ground, or crushed, fine respirable dust particles are generated that can be inhaled deep into the lungs. Prolonged exposure causes silicosis, an irreversible and potentially fatal lung disease. Crystalline silica is also classified as a known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1) for lung cancer. Workers in construction, mining, stone cutting, foundries, and ceramics are among those at greatest risk.
Crystalline silica dust monitoring is important anywhere cutting, grinding, drilling, or crushing concrete, stone, brick, or masonry can generate respirable silica, including mining and quarry operations. Rent personal air sampling pumps and silica sampling media from RAECO Rents to document exposure on construction sites, during demolition, in fabrication shops, and for mining compliance programs. Our team can help confirm the right pump, flow rate, and sampling setup for your protocol, with fast turnaround and phone support so you can collect compliant samples and get clear results.
Regulatory Exposure Limits
Updated on March 09, 2026
OSHA PEL
TWA:
50 µg/m³ [25 µg/m³ Action Level] [29 CFR 1910.1053]
STEL:
N/A
C:
N/A
NIOSH REL
TWA:
0.05 mg/m³ (Ca — carcinogen, reduce to lowest feasible concentration)
STEL:
N/A
C:
N/A
ACGIH TLV
TWA:
0.025 mg/m³ (respirable particulate matter) [2009]
STEL:
N/A
C:
N/A