Hello my neighbor's friend got him some type of sand that apparently they use in refineries and he is going to use it for sandblasting. The sand is white and I am suspect that is silica sand. I can send pictures for you guys to see, I SHOULDNT REALLY (FORBIDDEN) to use this type of sand right?
- Thread starter diogofcr
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rtbcomp
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A picture might be useful, some sands such as garnet are OK and the law applies to business use, but that doesn't stop un-approved products being dangerous.
If it's in bags does it say anything on the bag? I've seen "Not to be used for blasting on premises subject to The Factories Act" printed on kiln-dried sand bags.
If it's in bags does it say anything on the bag? I've seen "Not to be used for blasting on premises subject to The Factories Act" printed on kiln-dried sand bags.
Like I said it is white, thin granulometry. Go to this link and I took lots of pictures for you to see there: http://imgur.com/a/bPjvr
rtbcomp
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The final paragraph on the label says it all really.
Not quite sure what language the rest of the label is written in, but "Danger" "in case of prolonged or repeated exposure" "Don't breathe it" "use respirator if there is insufficient ventilation" "use in accordance with local regulations" are probably close translations.
Not quite sure what language the rest of the label is written in, but "Danger" "in case of prolonged or repeated exposure" "Don't breathe it" "use respirator if there is insufficient ventilation" "use in accordance with local regulations" are probably close translations.
I have never sandblasted before I am still waiting to get an abrasive so I don't know much about this, I thought all of them would say something like that. So you think I shouldn't use it right? Even with a respirator, because it can cause silicosis, right? I am not going to risk if you say I shouldnt do it.
I will tell my neighbor we should just wait and get a proper abrasive even if we have to pay instead of risking our health, thank you
Just wondering - as a child I lived in a desert area and we had countless sand storms. Is blasting with the stuff any different? Obviously constant daily exposure can't be good but just now and then should be ok - especially if you were a good mask. I use an Avon S10 gas mask with new filters - stops almost everything. Of course you also have to be careful of other people in the area.
brightspark
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possibly silver sand. not much different to kiln dried. a good respirator mask will be ok and a brush and shovel if your doing it in the open 
So you guys don't think this is silica sand? I know nothing about abrasives xD I am probably not gonna use it often I am just going to test out my sandblasting system and probably going to buy new special abrasive in the future after knowing everything is working. Should I be worried about health issues with like 1-2 times exposure using mask? (Silicosis)
Most sand is silica based - including the stuff on the beach. Long term exposure is the problem. Use a good mask and you will be fine. Any dust getting into your lungs is bad no matter what it is made of!
A good point and something I have always wondered..............
brightspark
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glass only contains 1 percent silica so its acceptable for blasting
henry Kadzielski
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I can tell you that breathing the dust from blasting with crushed glass is 'VERY UNPLEASENT' Its like breathing sand paper, very scratchy in the throat. The glass is very sharp and fragmented, why it is OK to use as opposed to sand, in some areas. I have asked the same question without a suitable answer. I use Garnet only for all the above reasons and it can be recycled
The most common glass is soda lime which is 75% silica.........
brightspark
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breathing any crap is bad for health no matter what's in it 
brightspark
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It contains 1% FREE silica. What happens when the glass hits a piece of steel and gets smashed to pieces? I have no doubt it is safer than pure sand but I wouldn't trust it.
It got me thinking about the whole silicosis thing. There are so many things that contain silica. Tiles, cement , bricks - in other words. Avoid ALL dust! It really isn't good for you.
I always use my Avon S10 gas mask - nothing gets past that. You have to cover the lenses with plastic though or they go frosted!
