Federal officials have issued a hazard alert aimed at protecting workers at hydraulic fracturing operations from silica exposure. Hydraulic fracturing involves blasting rock with water, sand and chemicals to extract oil and natural gas. Crystalline silica is part of sand. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health say workers who regularly breathe it are at greater risk of developing silicosis.
June 18, 2013
