Why Using Yellow Sand (Silica Sand) for Sandblasting Is Dangerous and Inefficient;

Why Using Yellow Sand (Silica Sand) for Sandblasting Is Dangerous and Inefficient;

Sandblasting emerged as a result of the observation of the natural erosion process of rocks that became smoother for a long time under the abrasive effect of the water carried by the wind and the sand. It was aimed to achieve the same erosion effect in a short time by using the mechanical acceleration of abrasive particles with sandblasting. In 1870, Benjamin Tilghman designed the first sandblasting machine to remove rust and paint from surfaces, and then in 1904 Thomas Pangborn developed the concept using a mixture of compressed air and yellow sand (silica sand) to clean metal surfaces. It was the beginning of a long period in which yellow sand (silica sand) was used largely in sandblasting. Over time, it has been observed that the use of yellow sand (silica sand) for blasting has caused a large number of lung diseases and deaths among blast operators as a result of silicosis. Silicosis is an incurable, deadly disease that occurs as a result of inhalation of free silica crystals in the dust released during sandblasting processes with yellow sand (silica sand). Other names for free silica crystals are: crystalline silica, free silica.

Currently, due to the high number of disease silicosis, Turkey and other European countries have banned the use of blasting materials containing more than 0.1% free silica. Yellow sand (silica sand) contains about 90% free silica particles, so it is extremely dangerous to the health of the operators. Due to their high brittleness during sandblasting, yellow sand (silica sand) particles break down into very fine free silica particles between 2 and 10 microns (μ). These particles are then inhaled and embedded in alveolar cells in the lung, there is no possibility to remove them by any treatment method. As a defense barrier to the organism against foreign bodies, free silica particles embedded in the lungs are covered with tissue and lead to the formation of multiple nodules in the lungs that cause respiratory failure, multiple complications, cancer and death.

Using yellow sand (silica sand) in blasting operations is extremely dangerous, even if operators are wearing protective blasting equipment. In a windless atmosphere, a free silica particle of 2 micron creates an invisible cloud of free silica particle dust surrounding the work site in just 24 hours in a 1 meter area. When the operator removes the sandblasting mask after finishing the sandblasting job or during the work breaks, a large amount of free silica particles are inhaled from the invisible dust cloud and the other particles fill the inner part of the helmet, and then when the sandblasting mask is worn again by the operator, the entrained particles are inhaled. In addition, the invisible dust cloud of free silica particles has been found to affect not only blast operators but also staff working in the environment such as office staff, cleaning staff, security and others.

Once it occurs, the disease does not cure and is constantly aggravated, leading to death. It is said internationally that even a single exposure to free silica particles can lead to silicosis. Given the danger of exposure to free silica particles, together with countries that explicitly prohibit the use of yellow sand (silica sand) in blasting operations, many international organizations that normalize and standardize risk areas are actively involved in the fight against the use of yellow sand. (silica sand). By organizing awareness campaigns on the hazards associated with yellow sand (silica sand), regulating standards, norms and safety procedures, and documenting companies that comply with these standards, norms and procedures. Therefore, the use of yellow sand (silica sand) is not recommended by FROSIO Norwegian Professional Council for Surface Treatment Inspectors Training and Certification, NACE - National Association of Corrosion Engineers, SSPC - Association of Protective Coatings.

Companies should stop using yellow sand (silica sand) in blasting operations, taking into account the disease hazard of operators' exposure to free silica particles and the compensation they must pay to their employees in case of occupational disease claims. very brittle, yellow sand (silica sand) is not an effective blasting material unlike other blasting agents, for example: garnet sand, steel grit sand, steel balls, stainless steel grit and balls, cut wire sand, white aluminum oxide, brown aluminum oxide, glass spheres, sandblasting sand; nickel slag sand and copper slag sand. For example; Garnet sand is a highly efficient, ecological and non-toxic blasting material (free silica content <0><!--0-->