Some of the documents posted here contain information about silica substitutes that may be slightly out of date, in light of recent research. For abrasive blasting, the U.S. government's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) says do not use sand or any abrasive with more than 1% crystalline silica in it. Specular hematite or steel grit may be safer substitutes. (Use of some slags or steel grit may increase worker exposures to some toxic metals.) Surfaces in abrasive blasting operations may contain hazardous contaminants; for instance, silica, lead, and other metals are in some paints and primers, and silica is in concrete).
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