How can GlassBlast™ be silica-free?
Recycled bottle glass is chemically known as Amorphous Silica, which means it contains less than 1% free-silica. Free-silica is commonly found in traditional blasting sand and other hard abrasive sandblasting medias. Silica-sand dust in its natural state has an “open” crystalline structure that has the capability of sticking to lung tissues. When this happens, the likelihood of developing a serious respiratory disease called Silicosis increases. Because GlassBlast™ is amorphous, its crystalline structure is “closed”, which makes it impossible to physically stick to human lung tissue. When a person is exposed to amorphous glass fines or dust, the body will expel the dust as it would any other type of natural dirt.
Crushed glass sounds like it could hurt me.
Crushed glass is actually the friendliest hard abrasive on the market. It contains no free silica or toxic metals. The recycled bottled glass is manufactured in such a way that it is not scarp your skin. For instance you can place your hand in the bag, move it around and it will not cut you.
I currently use coal slag, and copper slag how does it compare?
GlassBlast ™ is a direct replacement for slags that is environmentally friendly and contains no heavy metals
Is GlassBlast™ dusty?
All abrasives are dusty. However, because most of the glass is clear the dust is actually translucent, allowing for far greater visibility than traditional abrasives.
I do slurry blasting (wet blasting) can I use GlassBlast™?
GlassBlast™ is a perfect blast media for slurry blasting. There are lots of ways to save money using a slurry or vapor abrasive system when it comes to containment and clean up.