This document describes the NIOSH policy for respiratory protection against airborne exposures to crystalline silica.

NIOSH recommends the use of half-facepiece particulate respirators with N95 or better filters for airborne exposures to crystalline silica at concentrations less than or equal to 0.5 milligrams per cubic meter of air (mg/m³). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also specifies the use of at least a 95-rated filter efficiency [29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.134]. The recommendation for a 95-rated filter efficiency reflects the improved filter efficiency of N95 filters over the earlier dust and mist (DM) filters.

Entire Document	2008-140.pdf (103.34KB; 3pgs)
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