Silicon

Synonyms

Elemental silicon; [NIOSH]

Category

Other Mineral Dusts

Description

Black to gray, lustrous, needle-like crystals. [Note: The amorphous form is a dark-brown powder.]; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used to synthesize silanes and silicones; to produce ferrosilicon and silicon copper alloys; and to manufacture transistors, diodes, and semiconductors. [ACGIH] Does not occur free in nature, but is found in silicon dioxide (silica) & in various silicates.

Comments

There is little evidence that silicon dust can cause adverse pulmonary effects "when exposures are kept under reasonable control." [ACGIH] Documentation and TLV withdrawn in 2006 because of insufficient data; [ACGIH]

Biomedical References

15 mg/m3(total dust), 5 mg/m3(respirable fraction)

Explanatory Notes

The Guide from the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "silicon powder, amorphous." Adopted Documentation and TLVs were withdrawn in 2006 due to insufficient data. [ACGIH]

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Semiconductor Manufacturing