Air quality consultants often need reliable sampling equipment and clear analytical support when assessing worker exposure to crystalline silica. LCS Laboratory Inc. supplies respirable dust cassettes, personal pumps, cyclones, and complete sampling kits designed for silica monitoring in occupational settings.
Forms of Silica Encountered in Industry
Silica refers to silicon dioxide (SiO₂), which occurs in two broad forms:
- Amorphous silica — materials such as silica gel, opal, and fused quartz.
- Crystalline silica — primarily α‑quartz and, less commonly, cristobalite.
Quartz is by far the most common form. Ordinary sand is roughly 90% quartz, and because sand is used in construction, foundries, and chemical processes, quartz becomes one of the most widespread respirable minerals in industrial dust. Construction dust may contain around 10% quartz, while molding sands in aluminum foundries can reach 30%.
Cristobalite is much less common. It forms when quartz is exposed to temperatures between 1550–2000 °C, typically in volcanic environments or high‑temperature industrial processes. After many years of silica analysis and thousands of samples, cristobalite appears only occasionally—most often in mining dust, furnace‑related dust, or specialized high‑temperature materials such as ceramic repair compounds.
Sampling Requirements for Respirable Silica
Silica exposure is regulated as respirable dust, meaning only particles smaller than 10 µm are relevant. Consultants typically follow the NIOSH 0600 method for respirable dust collection, using:
- a cyclone to achieve the respirable cut
- a calibrated personal sampling pump
- a sampling duration of 4–10 hours, adjusted as needed for the project
Once sampling is complete, the cassettes are returned to LCS Laboratory for analysis.
Laboratory Analysis and Detection Limits
Our laboratory uses the NIOSH 7602 method to quantify crystalline silica. This procedure detects both quartz and cristobalite with a sensitivity of approximately 5 µg for each mineral, which is suitable for most occupational exposure assessments.
Results include:
- identification of quartz and/or cristobalite
- mass of each mineral detected
- respirable dust loading
- calculated concentrations when sampling data is provided
These reports support exposure evaluations, compliance documentation, and internal risk assessments.
Ordering Supplies or Submitting Samples
If you need sampling cassettes, pumps, cyclones, or full silica sampling kits, you can request them directly from LCS Laboratory. You’re also welcome to send your completed samples for analysis or contact us to discuss the specifics of your project. ©
