The most severe exposures to crystalline silica
result from abrasive blasting, which is done to clean
and smooth irregularities from molds, jewelry,
and foundry castings, finish tombstones, etch or
frost glass, or remove paint, oils, rust, or dirt form
objects needing to be repainted or treated. Other
exposures to silica dust occur in cement and brick
manufacturing, asphalt pavement manufacturing,
china and ceramic manufacturing and the tool and
die, steel and foundry industries. Crystalline silica
is used in manufacturing, household abrasives,
adhesives, paints, soaps, and glass. Additionally,
crystalline silica exposures occur in the maintenance,
repair and replacement of refractory brick
furnace linings.