Silica
DCMSL can help with all your silica testing needs and help you comply with the new OSHA rule.
DCM Science Lab can analyze bulk materials and air samples for silica content. The silica content of the respirable fraction of bulk samples can also be determined. Clients will receive their results in 3 to 5 business days. One business day rush turnaround is also available. We supply pre-weighed PVC filters loaded in 37mm and 25mm dust cassettes in either a three piece or two-piece configuration. We also supply pre-weighed 47mm PVC filters for clients with specialty filter holders.
Silica Testing
Crystalline silica is one of the most common minerals on earth and is found everywhere. It has been utilized since ancient times for jewelry, stone tools and building material. In the modern world, crystalline silica uses have been expanded to the manufacture of ultra-pure glass for optics, tempered glass, specialty quartz glass ware, high temperature ceramics and exotic materials for aerospace and other hi-tech industries. Today, people from all walks of life come in contact with crystalline silica on a daily basis. For most people, there is little risk. However, people working in the construction, sandblasting and mining industries can be exposed to high levels of respirable crystalline silica and thus are at risk for developing silicosis, a potentially fatal lung disease. OSHA and MSHA have developed regulations and testing protocol to ensure employee safety when at risk for silica exposure.
Crystalline Silica
DCM Science Lab uses x-ray diffraction following the OSHA ID-142 and NIOSH 7500 methods to determine the mass of crystalline silica present on air samples. These samples are often taken to test the air in the employee’s breathing space or area samples around the work site. Bulk samples in the form of settled dust and whole rock can also be evaluated using modified OSHA and NIOSH 7500 methods. X-ray diffraction is considered the industry standard and the most accurate method for determining crystalline silica content and can accurately evaluate the three silica polymorphs; quartz, cristobalite and tridymite in most cases depending on sample matrix.
Amorphous Silica
DCM Science Lab can also determine the presence of amorphous silica using x-ray diffraction following the NIOSH 7501 method. Amorphous silica is used in high strength concrete, microelectronics and as a filler in rubber, toothpaste, paints and printer ink. It may have the same negative health consequences as crystalline silica. Turnaround times for amorphous silica analysis are the same as for crystalline silica.
DCM Science Lab can analyze bulk materials and air samples for silica content. Clients can receive their results in either a 2 day or 4 to 5 business day turnaround.
DCM Science Lab also provides total dust and respirable dust analysis. We supply pre-weighed PVC filters loaded in 37mm and 25mm dust cassettes in either a three piece or two piece configuration. We also supply pre-weighed 47mm PVC filters for clients with specialty filter holders.
We are accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA LAP, LLC) since 1986 and participate in the proficiency testing program. Our analysts have over 30 years of combined experience in the analysis of silica.
Please visit these sites for more information on crystalline silica:
Quality control in the laboratory is maintained by a rigid, constantly-monitored quality assurance program.
DCMSL is accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA LAP, LLC) since 1986 and by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP Lab Code 101258-0) since 1989.
