"Sandblasting is no longer allowed, is it?" is a frequently asked question. Blasting with the so-called quartz sand has indeed been prohibited for decades. The reason for this is that during blasting, the sand grain breaks on the substrate. Quartz is released when the grain of sand is broken. Because there are hooks on the quartz, it will settle in the lungs when it is inhaled. Unlike all other dusts, the lungs are unable to "cleanse" themselves of quartz. Large quantities of quartz will significantly reduce lung capacity. There have been cases of people who have been exposed to quartz for decades and only have a lung capacity of 60%. This means that running or vigorous physical activity can no longer be performed.
ALTERNATIVES
Olivine sand is a commonly used abrasive as alternatives to quartz sand. Olivine sand usually comes from Norway and contains considerably less than the legal 1% quartz. With Olivine sand, dust still forms during dry blasting, although this is not quartz. Even though the lungs are able to clean themselves with this dust formation, the use of a good face mask is essential. Other alternatives are grit or Garnet. Garnet is a solid stone grain that does not break during blasting, so that no dust is formed from the abrasive itself. All types of blasting media can be processed in the IBIX® system. This makes it possible to use a legally permitted abrasive at all times while preserving the substrate. We are happy to advise you on the possibilities of the no fewer than 40 types of abrasives that are available.
