Unregulated Crystalline Silica Exposure in Wisconsin

Abstract

Occupational silica exposure is related to the development of respiratory disease, tuberculosis, autoimmune disease, kidney disease, silicosis and lung cancer. Recent proposals for sand mines and processing plants around Wisconsin--including Chippewa Falls--have raised substantial community concerns about health risk to the public. This literature search project has gathered research and regulatory information to support an upcoming Department of Natural Resources decision on whether to control currently unregulated crystalline silica as a hazardous air pollution.