resources,” said Aaron Dahnke, MIA+BSI Education Manager. “This training tool serves as a review and opportunity to update the people who work in our industry about this preventable illness.” Overexposure to respirable crys- talline silica particles can lead to serious, sometimes fatal illnesses including silicosis, lung cancer, tuberculosis (in those with silico- sis), and chronic obstructive pul- monary disease (COPD). In addi- tion, silica exposure has been linked to other illnesses including renal disease and other cancers. Silicosis is a progressive disease and there is no cure upon its onset. Minimizing your exposure to respi- rable crystalline silica is the key to prevention. Shop owners who have imple- mented strict new housekeeping rules and controls have been able to achieve levels that are below the new OSHA Action Level (25 µg/m³). The effec- tive date for OSHA’s new silica exposure standard for General Industry (fabricators) is June 23, 2018. The Construction Standard, covering workers in the field, became enforceable September 23, 2017. To access this resource, visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/ university. www.provaproducts.com Ceramic & Stone Installation Products WATERPROOFING SYSTEMS SHOWER DRAIN & PAN SYSTEMS UNDERLAYMENT SYSTEMS CERAMIC TRIMS & NOSING TOOLS & SEALANTS BECAUSE YOU DESERVE A CHOICE! STONE –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 82 TileLetter | October 2017