LCS laboratory offers the analysis of bulk materials for their crystalline silica content. This test is recommended as a screening tool to verify if a silica control program is necessary. Our clients use this test to demonstrate if a material contains crystalline silica, if not, no further air testing is required.
amorphous silica
From the geological perspective, the silica, or silicon dioxide, can exist in either crystalline or amorphous forms. Amorphous silica is relatively rare and is not as toxic as the crystalline form.
Crystalline silica is very common, and is also quite toxic if inhaled. It exists in several forms: α-Quartz (99% of all samples) Cristobalite (<1% of all samples) and Tridymite (<0.1% of samples). There are also a few other polymorphs, which are extremely rare and are of no real concern to the majority of safety specialists. Cristobalite is a high temperature modification of silica, which is formed in small amounts by the re-crystallization of quartz at temperatures above 1000°C. Small amount of Cristobalite can be found in refractory bricks, mortar and sand used for iron casting.
quartz crystal
Quartz is a major component of rock and sand. Quartz is brought into most construction materials by sand. When quartz is present in construction dust, the workers protection plan should be re-evaluated.
LCS laboratory uses a modified method of NIOSH 7602 for silica testing, and requires 1-2 grams of material preferably in the form of fine dust. Our laboratory analyzes samples for Quartz and Cristobalite and reports with sensitivity down to 0.5% each. Please email us to order your test or discuss your project.
