Extending our expertise in crystalline silica analysis
Crystalline silica exists mainly in three forms: quartz (the most common), cristobalite and tridymite. It can be released in dust form during various activities (cutting, sanding, demolition, quarrying…) and is essential in many fields, but it is important to note that inhalation of its particles can be hazardous to health.
Crystalline silica is an abundant natural material found in many sources:
- Sand: Quartz is the most common form of crystalline silica and is widely found in sand.
- Gravel and clay: These materials also contain quartz.
- Rocks: Granite and other rock types are important sources of crystalline silica.
- Building materials: Concrete, brick, mortar, plaster and other building materials contain crystalline silica.
Effects of crystalline silica and regulations
Exposure is mainly by the respiratory route, and can cause irritation, chronic bronchitis and even pulmonary fibrosis (silicosis). Crystalline silica is also classified as a known human carcinogen (CIRC Group 1).
In order to protect workers, the French Labour Code strictly regulates its use (articles R.4412-59 to R.4412-93) and sets binding occupational exposure limit values (VLEP) (article R. 4412-149) for the respirable fraction:
- Quartz: 0,1 mg/m³
- Cristobalite and tridymite: 0,05 mg/m³
The French Labor Code also sets a VLEP for mixtures of silica and other dusts (articles R.4412-154 and R.4412-155).
Our expertise in work environment / professional exposure
To meet the requirements of the French Labor Code, TERA Environnement has been offering analysis of the respirable fraction of crystalline silica on PVC and foam filters in workplace air at its Fuveau laboratory since 2023. In addition, we also carry out analyses of respirable dust on the same media, under COFRAC testing accreditation.
Consult our scope of accreditation Cofrac Essais 1-5599 : Scope of our Fuveau laboratory: 1-5599
With several years’ experience in crystalline silica analysis, we have expanded our services to include analysis of crystalline silica in outdoor ambient air and on surfaces.
New offer: ambient air and surface contamination control
Crystalline silica is highly volatile and can disperse beyond work areas and impact the environment.
To assess the impact of this dispersion, we propose to take samples from :
- Leckel / partisol: dust and crystalline silica analysis on 47 mm PVC filter.
And the media now available:
- Owen gauge: analysis of dust, crystalline silica and metals.
- DIEM deposition plate: dust and crystalline silica analysis.
Wipes
DIEM brochure
Owen gauge
We are also extending our expertise to the high-tech sector, where control of surface contamination is crucial.
In this context, TERA Environnement now offers crystalline silica measurement on wipes, to check for residues on sensitive surfaces.
As for silica analysis on foams or PVC filters, samples are prepared as follows:
Consult our scopes of accreditation in Workplace Air: Accréditation Cofrac Essais 1-5598 et 1-5599, list of sites and scopes available on cofrac.fr
Scope of our Crolles laboratory: 1-5598 & Scope of our Fuveau laboratory: 1-5599
Consult our Workplace Air Analysis and Sampling Media services
Do you have any questions or do you need a quote? Contact us to find out more about our analysis services.
