Understanding Worker Activities and Crystalline Silica Exposure

Which of the following worker activities does not produce respirable size particles of crystalline silica?

Wetting

Drilling

Grinding

Sandblasting

Final answer:

Wetting is the activity listed that produces the least amount of respirable size particles of crystalline silica because it stops them from becoming airborne. Drilling, grinding, or sandblasting can result in the release of significant amounts of these particles.

Explanation:

Among the listed activities, wetting produces the least amount of respirable size particles of crystalline silica. Drilling, grinding, and sandblasting all produce significant amounts because they mechanically break down the silica into smaller particles. A respirable particle is defined as a particle that can enter the gas-exchange regions of the lungs, which could potentially lead to health issues like silicosis. Wetting helps to reduce the amount of respirable silica, as the water droplets can capture and encapsulate smaller silica particles, preventing them from becoming airborne and being inhaled.