Non-occupational exposure to silica dust in vicinity of slate pencil industry, India.

Non-occupational exposure to crystalline silica (quartz) in vicinity of slate pencil industry is reported. Ambient silica monitoring was carried out at two locations in the vicinity of slate pencil industry and one control site 5 kilometers away from slate pencil industry using PM-10 high volume samplers. Quartz content was analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) from vertically elutriated dust samples collected simultaneously at all locations. It was found that average quartz concentrations in the vicinity of slate pencil industry and control site were 41.07-57.22 and 3.51 microg/m(3), respectively. Results were compared with derived ambient air quality standard for silica based on findings reported by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).