Selection of Abrasive

• Most abrasives have the same physical impact, but some are better for your health than others. Silica sand is the most commonly used abrasive, but unfortunately also typically has the most negative impact. This is because it quickly breaks up during blasting to create large quantities of dust, which can be inhaled by the operator. Silica sand is typically coated with resin to try and control the dust that results from the sand particles breaking up during the blasting process. Metallic, synthetic and mineral abrasives are all growing in popularity, because they do not produce a lot of dust during blasting. In addition, reclamation of the material is also relatively easy. They produce a lot less dust and a lot less waste than your standard sand abrasive would.
  
  Organic abrasives made out of ground-up nutshells, fruit kernels or baking soda are also growing in popularity. However, they are a soft abrasive and thus not a perfect substitute for silica sand. They are usually used to clean brick or stone buildings or remove graffiti from building walls without damaging the underlying material.
  
  

Reducing the Health Impact

• Although not every abrasive used in the sandblasting business is hazardous to your health, most are. Some of the dangers of sandblasting are burns due to overheated wayward abrasives, exposure to hazardous materials and the exposure to excessive noise. There is a variety of safety equipment available that can reduce the impact that sandblasting has on your health.
  
  Standard safety equipment that should be used when sandblasting is a blast helmet or hood, ear protection and body protection such as overalls and gloves. If you are doing heavy-duty continuous sandblasting, you should consider getting a blast hood that connects to an air supply so that you are protected from hazardous gases. You should also wear a blast suit if you work in close proximity to the sandblasting. Inhaling silica dust can lead to lung disease such as silicosis; therefore, sandblasting should also not be done in open air because of the increased chance that you will inhale dust particles.