From a preliminary postal survey of 3903 firms a representative population was chosen for on-site survey and monitoring. The results of this study indicate there are approximately one hundred thousand abrasive blasters with personal exposures to silica dust environments up to sixty million manhours per year. The protection afforded these workmen is, on the average, marginal to poor. Equipment deficiencies and lack of maintenance are the rule rather chan the exception. The average sand blaster would appear to have an excellent chance of receiving above TLV quartz exposures and extreme noise exposures.

Disclaimer: This report is reproduced as received from the contractor. The conclusions and recommendations contained herein represent the opinion of the contractor and do not necessarily constitute NIOSH endorsement.

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