Sunday, February 28, 2021 Reducing Silica Dust Exposure Newsletters Alberta Local 63 BC Local 68 Manitoba Local 152 Ontario Construction Saskatchewan Local 151 Sectors Construction Many jobs in construction, such as concrete work, demolition, and excavation, leave workers exposed to silica dust, which is a known carcinogen. Of the 570 cases of lung cancer in Canada each year due to silica dust, 56 percent were construction workers. Three levels of prevention are typically used to reduce exposure. Wet method – using water to limit the amount of dust generated Local exhaust ventilation – capturing dust at the source before workers can breathe it in PPE – using air-purifying respirators A study by the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) found that, not surprisingly, a combination of all three methods was the most effective at preventing lung cancer, with 107 cases prevented. Of course not all methods can be employed to all work, and using all three is the most costly. The wet method and ventilation were as effective (95 cases prevented) as using PPE alone (96 cases prevented). The wet method alone was less effective (55 cases prevented) and ventilation only was the least effective (40 cases prevented). You might be interested in Why We Work Safely 5 Jun 2026 Standing Your Ground, and Staying Steady on the Job 4 Jun 2026 CLAC Partners with Alberta Government to Advance Skilled Trades Training and Accelerate Certification 4 Jun 2026 Strathcona Mechanical Workers Ratify New Agreement Providing Wage, Scheduling Improvements 3 Jun 2026