The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has today published a consultative document seeking comments on a proposal for a new Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) for respirable crystalline silica. Every year nearly 2 million employees are exposed to Crystalline Silica. Crystalline silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in almost all types of rock, sands, clays etc, and in building materials made from these materials such as bricks, tiles and concrete.

Long-term exposure to dusts containing respirable crystalline silica can lead to the development of silicosis, a slowly developing irreversible lung disease. Heavy and prolonged exposures under conditions that are sufficient to cause silicosis can also lead to an increased risk of lung cancer.

The closing date for comments is 13th March 2006. The consultation documents can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/consult/live.htm

Source: www.hse.gov.uk (accessed 05/01/06)

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