Sandblasting Sand: The Facts
The use of sandblasting sand has decreased, and is even discouraged for those who are thinking of beginning a sandblasting project. Although sand was once the most common material used in this process (hence the name sandblasting), relatively new health concerns have made it important to consider other options. In truth, if you are doing some sandblasting today, the ingredient designated as “sandblasting sand” will not actually be sand at all.
Why Do People Use Sandblasting?
Sandblasting is the word given to a process in which fine pieces of a material are powerfully propelled at a surface. This is done with specific sandblasting equipment, powered to ensure that the blasted particles are moving at a high velocity and able to impact the surface they hit. Sandblasting is done to achieve a much more drastic effect than sanding would produce. In other words, people use sandblasting to etch or erode a surface.
The particles that are propelled by the blaster at the surface have traditionally been particles of sand. This is why we think of sandblasting sand as the key ingredient for this process. Just about any small particle will do the job however, so long as the particles are somewhat uniform in size and shape. For example, steel grit, walnut shells, bits of coconut shell and copper slag are all used in place of sandblasting sand.
The reason to seek different particle types for sandblasting is that there are dangers associated with inhaling dust caused by sand during the sandblasting process. Excessive inhalation of dust can cause lung disease silicosis, so sandblasting must be carefully monitored and executed.
What is Lung Disease Silicosis?
Lung disease silicosis is a disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silica found in sandblasting sand. When sandblasters inhale this substance, particles become trapped in the lungs and their lung tissue has a damaging reaction to it. The lungs develop fibrous nodules around the embedded particles and scarring forms. This is called silicosis, a disease that significantly increases the chance of developing tuberculosis. If the nodules continue to grow, the lungs become more and more blocked, and breathing gets very difficult. Silicosis and its complications can be fatal.
Typical silica sand used for sandblasting fractures into very tiny dust particles that are airborne. Inhaling these particles triggers a more severe reaction in the lungs than inhalation of silica that isn’t freshly fractured. This is why sandblasting is the most dangerous way to inhale silica; because they are so fresh, airborne, and easily inhaled. As a result, acute silicosis is common among traditional sandblasters.
Sandblasting Tips
Due to these dangers, make sure that your own sandblasting endeavors are controlled and careful. Use an alternate air supply, and ensure that you have proper ventilation. Another important tip is to research online what the current exposure limits are for silica sand. Ongoing medical testing is always yielding new information.
There is no reason why sandblasting cannot be a safe and effective project if you go about it carefully. Arm yourself with the proper sandblasting supplies and be sure to choose the right sandblasting sand replacement for you. Once you have selected an appropriate material to use, testing a small area is important to see if the particle you’ve chosen is producing the desired result.
With these safety precautions in mind, you are ready to explore the art of sandblasting.
