Measuring quartz dust with GSA PM4-2 and SG10-2 measuring devices
If quartz dust is present at the workplace, measures such as measuring quartz dust are a sensible occupational health and safety measure.
We offer two systems for this purpose: Firstly, the measuring device PM4-2 with A-dust head for stationary measurement and the measuring devices SG10-2 with fine dust sampling system 10 (according to IFA) for personal measurement at the workplace.
Measure quartz dust
If the measurements show a (high) concentration of quartz, it is necessary to optimize occupational safety. This can take various forms, with measures ranging from substituting the input material (quartz) to installing an extraction system.
Which measures should be taken must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
We will be happy to discuss which system is right for you in an individual consultation.
Definition of quartz
Quartz is a natural mineral that consists of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and has a trigonal symmetry. It is one of the harder minerals, as it can be used to scratch window glass, for example, and is only soluble in hydrofluoric acid (HF) at very high temperatures. In everyday life, quartz is most commonly found as sand. As an industrial raw material, it is used in cement or in the manufacture of ceramics and glass.
Dangers of quartz dust
Quartz is harmless in its coarse mineral form. However, this changes as soon as it is present in particulate form, i.e. as dust. This means that the particles are so small that they can penetrate the lungs.
A distinction is made between the dust fractions E-dust (approx. 35µm) and A-dust (approx. 10µm).
The smaller the particles, the deeper they can get into the lungs. A distinction is therefore also made between the dust fractions inhalable dust (E-dust) and alveolar dust (A-dust). Due to their structure, quartz particles are classified as fibrogenic substances.
This means that these particles penetrate the lungs and cause irritation, which leads to scarring of the lung tissue and thus to permanent damage. This manifests itself in symptoms such as breathlessness and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure can lead to silicosis (“quartz lung”). Furthermore, tumors can develop or other secondary diseases can occur.
Sources:
[1]: Source contribution image:© Andy Koehler / 123RF.com
[2]: https://klimaplatte24.de/lexikon/quarz
[3]: https://www.baua.de/DE/Angebote/Rechtstexte-und-Technische-Regeln/Regelwerk/TRGS/pdf/906/906-quarzfeinstaub.pdf?__blob=publicationFile
[4]: https://www.lungenaerzte-im-netz.de/krankheiten/staublunge/was-ist-eine-staublunge/
[5]: https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/pdf/10.1055/s-2000-9057.pdf