I'm confused...sand is basically small particles of rock that used to be larger rocks. They've just been crushed over time. One of the things I see regularly at work are x-ray defraction and sieve analysis reports from various sand samples and I can't remember one of them that didn't contain some silica, mica, and various other minerals. Your safety topic is DEFINITELY well founded, but I would suggest that it should include ALL small particulate matter from grinding dust to paint to sand blasting media. There's no way that you could sand blast a panel without creating particles small enough to work their way into your lungs. By the way, iron (rust dust) may actually be worse. Iron inhibits the blood's ability to carry oxygen...get enough iron in your blood stream and you could actually suffocate. I seem to remember reading somewhere that this is the reason that most children's vitamins no longer contain an iron supplement. Whether you suffocate today or die of cancer tomorrow...neither one is a good option...wear a respirator!
