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Crystalline silica is a common mineral found in such materials as sand, stone, concrete, and mortar. It’s used to make glass, pottery, ceramics, bricks, and other products.

Silica, though, can also be a hazard. To better protect workers, OSHA issued new respirable crystalline silica standards.

NSS offers a Silica Competent Person course, which covers exposure control methods, respiratory protection, health effects, and other topics.