NIOSH advises health care providers to be aware of quartz surfacing materials as a source of silica exposure, saying they might advise reassignment of patients with silicosis to jobs without silica dust exposure, and report cases to their state public health agency; because in 2010, silicosis was reportable in 25 states. "Employers are responsible for maintaining a safe workplace by measuring silica exposure, limiting access to areas where silica exposures are high, using effective methods to reduce exposure (e.g., wet methods, local exhaust ventilation, and use of personal protective equipment), providing medical examinations to workers with high exposures, and training workers about silica hazards and how to limit exposures."
