Silica, quartz

What are other names or identifying information for silica?

• context CAS Registry No.: 14808-60-7 Other Names: Crystalline silica, Quartz; Silicone dioxide; Tripoli Main Uses: Many uses including in mining, fabrication, manufacturing, and construction Appearance: Colourless crystals. Odour: Odourless
• context Canadian TDG: Not specifically listed in Canadian TDG Regulations, but may be regulated as part of a chemical family or group Not Otherwise Specified (N.O.S.). Consult the regulations.

What is the WHMIS classification?

According to the Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST), silica (quartz) can be classified as: Carcinogenicity - Category 1A Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure - Category 1 The signal word is danger. The hazard statements include: Please note that this classification was retrieved from the CNESST site on March 3, 2025 and was established by CNESST personnel to the best of their knowledge based on data obtained from scientific literature and it incorporates the criteria contained in the Hazardous Products Regulations (SOR/2015-17). It does not replace the supplier’s classification which can be found on its Safety Data Sheet.

• context May cause cancer.
• context Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure

What are the most important things to know about silica in an emergency?

• context Emergency Overview: Colourless crystals. Odourless. Will not burn. VERY TOXIC. Prolonged or repeated exposure causes damage to the lungs. CANCER HAZARD. May cause cancer, if inhaled.

What are first aid measures for silica?

• context Inhalation: Take precautions to ensure your own safety before attempting rescue (e.g., wear appropriate protective equipment). Move the victim to fresh air.
• context Skin Contact: Quickly and gently blot or brush away the excess chemical. Wash gently and thoroughly with gently flowing water and non-abrasive soap for 5 minutes.
• context Eye Contact: Quickly and gently blot or brush the chemical off the face. Immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with gently flowing water for 5 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. If irritation or pain persists, get medical attention.
• context Ingestion: Have the victim rinse their mouth with water. Get medical attention if the victim feels unwell.
• context First Aid Comments: If exposed or concerned, see a medical professional for advice. All first aid procedures should be periodically reviewed by a medical professional familiar with the chemical and its conditions of use in the workplace.
• context Note to Physicians: Some jurisdictions specifically regulate an ingredient of this product and require a complete medical surveillance program. Specific information should be sought from the appropriate government agency in your jurisdiction.

What are unintentional release measures for silica?

• context Personal Precautions: Evacuate the area immediately. Isolate the hazard area. Keep out unnecessary and unprotected personnel. Ventilate area.
• context Methods for Containment and Clean-up: Avoid dry sweeping. If necessary, use a dust suppressant such as water. Do not use compressed air for clean-up. Collect using a shovel/scoop or approved HEPA vacuum and place in a suitable container for disposal.

What handling and storage practices should be used when working with silica?

• context Handling: Before handling, it is important that all engineering controls are operating and that protective equipment requirements and personal hygiene measures are being followed. Only trained personnel should work with this product. Immediately report leaks, spills or failures of the safety equipment (e.g. ventilation system). Avoid generating dusts. Prevent unintentional contact with incompatible chemicals.
• context Storage: Keep the amount in storage to a minimum. Empty containers may contain hazardous residue. Store separately. Keep closed. Store in an area that is: separate from incompatible materials.

What is the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®) recommended exposure limit for silica?

• context ACGIH® TLV® - TWA: 0.025 mg/m3 A2 (respirable)
• context Exposure Guideline Comments: TLV® = Threshold Limit Value. TWA = Time-Weighted Average. A2 = Suspected human carcinogen.
• context Adapted from: 2025 TLVs® and BEIs® - Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices. Cincinnati: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
• context NOTE: In many (but not all) Canadian jurisdictions, the exposure limits are similar to the ACGIH® TLVs®. Since legislation varies by jurisdiction, contact your local jurisdiction for exact details. A list is available in the OSH Answers on Canadian Governmental Occupational Health & Safety Departments.
• context A list of acts and regulations that cover exposure limits to chemical and biological agents is available on our website. Please note that while you can see the list of legislation for free, you will need a subscription to view the actual documentation.

What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is needed when working with silica?

Eye/Face Protection: Safety goggles suitable for dust protection. Skin Protection: It is good practice to prevent skin contact. Respiratory Protection: Up to 0.5 mg/m3: (APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter; Any supplied air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode. Up to 1.25 mg/m3: APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter; Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and a high-efficiency particulate filter.Up to 2.5 mg/m3: (APF = 1000) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.APF = Assigned Protection Factor Recommendations apply only to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved respirators. Refer to the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards for more information.