At Air Matters we have recently been busy with workplace assessments of exposure to respirable crystalline silica (as known as RCS). These workplace assessments involve reviewing process and control along with personal exposure monitoring on the staff.
Assessments of silica exposure take place at businesses that use concrete, natural stone or engineered stone as part of the material used in manufacturing. These include kitchen benchtop manufacturers, building material manufacturers and the construction industry.
Exposure to respirable crystalline silica can cause silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and potentially kidney disease. These are all debilitating and irreversible health effects that can present themselves at any stage after working with silica-containing products.
Air Matters have offices in Auckland and Tauranga (covering the Bay of Plenty) and conducts silica exposure assessments throughout New Zealand.