Vermiculite and Silica Remediation

Our Vermiculite and Silica Remediation services include:

• Commercial buildings
• Industrial buildings
• Retail buildings
• Insurance claims

Please contact us for an estimate, proposal, or bid.

Silica info

Crystalline silica is a common mineral in the earth’s crust and is found in many types of rock including sand, quartz, and granite. Silica is present in both work and non-work environments, and exposure to crystalline silica dust has long been known to cause a disease called silicosis. When you inhale crystalline silica the lung tissue reacts by developing fibrous tissue around trapped silica particles. This condition of the lung is called silicosis.

Due to the extensive use of concrete and masonry products in buildings today, construction workers have potential exposure to crystalline silica. Operations such as dumping of rock, glass manufacturing, jack-hammering, abrasive blasting, sawing, drilling, or demolition of concrete and masonry structures are some of the activities that could produce this exposure. Lungs take care of normal dust. Airborne dust and dirt are common at worksites and on the job.

Fortunately, the body’s respiratory system does a good of job filtering out dust and most foreign bodies. Fine particulates such as asbestos and silica, however, are so tiny they can get past our filtering system. This may cause serious lung problems over an extended time if protection or controls are not used. Respect these tiny invaders. Use the appropriate personal protective equipment and safety precautions.

Dust inhalation can cause lung disease, silicosis, and other complications of the respiratory system. There are control measures that can be taken to help protect your health and safety when working with or around construction dust. Here are a few suggestions:

Saw Cutting, Grinding & Sanding Dust:

Workers are properly trained and wear the appropriate respiratory and other personal protective equipment (PPE) while on or near work activities that generate dust.

Water is commonly used in cutting or grinding stone, cement, or rock base products that release dust into the air. Water-based dust suppression is the most cost-effective solution.

Vacuum systems may also be used to collect dust generated by sanding, grinding, breaking, or cutting of concrete, stone, pavement, or other dust-generating materials.

Excavation Dust:

Water is a common option for protecting workers from excavations by watering down the exposed surfaces regularly. Dust Suppression Agents may also be an option, as they have been developed to require less frequent application of water.

Covering exposed surfaces with polythene or tarps is effective although this method is not practical in windy areas or for large areas.

General Building Construction Dust:

Cutting wood releases particles (sawdust) that, unlike asbestos and silica, do not enter the lungs as easily. However, some products can generate very fine dust that can potentially be inhaled into the lungs.

Vacuum systems can capture the dust produced by the machine and secure it in a container for proper disposal. Use removable dust collection bags with industrial-grade vacuum cleaners to assist the suction of dust. Sweeping the floor is normal and good practice, however, this will allow fine dust particles to float back up into the air.

Vacuum power sanders will pick up dust from sheetrock, plasterboard, and paint sanding. Vacuum power sanders are very effective as they remove dust as you work.