RCS monitoring results to date

The EPA is currently sampling for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) using a high-volume sampler with a PM₁₀ sample inlet one day out of every six at the Sellicks Beach Lurline Boulevard air quality monitoring site. The samples are being analysed in a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory. The RCS data will be assessed against the SA interim annual RCS guideline of 3 µg/m³ based on an annual average once 12 months of data has been collected.

The annual RCS average will be calculated by summing the concentrations of all the samples taken within a 12-month period and then dividing the total summed concentration by the number of samples. Annual RCS Average = (Sample 1 concentration + Sample 2 concentration + … + Sample N Concentration) / N

Respirable crystalline silica is created when workplace processes, such as crushing, cutting, grinding and quarrying, are carried out on natural materials or manufactured products containing crystalline silica. This crystalline silica is associated with serious adverse health effects. For more information, see SA Health’s frequently asked questions about RCS Exposure in Non-workplace Settings.

Data collected to date is provided in the table below and will be updated as results are collected.