The Invisible Threat: Silica Dust and Indoor Air Quality in the Workplace

Every year, around 800 lives are lost in the UK due to a silent killer, silica dust. Found in many common building materials like concrete, brick, and stone, silica dust is nearly impossible to avoid on construction sites and in other industrial settings. Yet, despite its invisibility, its dangers are very real.

To protect workers, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has set strict regulations: the Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is 0.1 mg/m³, averaged over an 8-hour shift. This doesn’t mean it’s safe to breathe more than that; it just recognises that small spikes may happen temporarily. The goal is always to keep exposure as low as reasonably practicable, and definitely below the WEL.

Why Is Silica Dust So Dangerous?

When inhaled, fine silica particles can settle deep into the lungs, causing serious health issues like silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even lung cancer. Because symptoms often appear years later, the damage is typically done before workers realise what's happening.

Building a Safer Workspace

The first step to creating a healthier, more productive work environment is actively monitoring and controlling air quality. This includes:

• Installing proper ventilation systems

• Using dust suppression methods like water sprays or extraction units

• Providing appropriate PPE (like masks and respirators)

• Regularly assessing air quality levels.

Whether you're managing a construction site or an office space, prioritising air quality isn’t just about compliance, it’s about caring for the people who spend their days there.