Silica Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, February 11, 2026

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) describes silicosis as a spectrum of lung diseases caused by inhaling free crystalline silica. Silicosis is incurable and can lead to severe disability and death.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines crystalline silica as a common mineral found in materials such as sand, stone, concrete, and mortar. It is also used in products including glass, pottery, ceramics, bricks, and artificial stone. Respirable crystalline silica consists of extremely small particles, at least 100 times smaller than the sand typically found on beaches or playgrounds.

These particles are generated during cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling, or crushing stone, rock, concrete, brick, block, and mortar. Activities such as abrasive blasting with sand; sawing brick or concrete; sanding or drilling into concrete walls; grinding mortar; manufacturing brick, concrete blocks, stone countertops, or ceramic products; and cutting or crushing stone can all expose workers to respirable crystalline silica dust.

OSHA warns that workers who inhale these particles face elevated risks of developing serious silica-related diseases, including:

• Lung cancer
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Kidney disease

 

“Unfortunately, workers across many industries continue to face crystalline silica exposure,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “OSHA estimates that approximately 2.3 million people in the U.S. encounter silica on the job. To reduce that risk, the agency has implemented two respirable crystalline silica standards, one for construction and another for general industry and maritime.”

LA Testing’s industrial hygiene, environmental, and material testing professionals support businesses in protecting workers from respirable silica and other hazardous substances. With laboratories throughout California, LA Testing also offers sampling supplies, air monitoring instruments, and personal protective equipment (PPE). The company has additionally sponsored an educational video on silicosis risks, available at: https://youtu.be/a9Hn2lxrJBE 

For more information about crystalline silica testing or access to sampling supplies, air monitoring instruments, or PPE, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794. 

 

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental, indoor air quality and material testing for mercury, asbestos, mold, bacteria, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates, and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC Elite, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health, and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, and San Diego.