Reduce crystalline silica exposure and learn about silicon dioxide hazards The term “silica” broadly refers to the mineral compound silicon dioxide (SiO₂). Although silica can be crystalline or amorphous in form, crystalline silica is more hazardous to employees and is the focus of this document. Crystalline silica is a basic component of the Earth’s crust and can be detected in soil, sand, granite and many other minerals. While most commonly found in the form of quartz, it is also found in substances such as cristobalite, tridymite and tripoli. Breathing crystalline silica dust poses an occupational health hazard and can lead to […]