Question from Paula Finn
Hi Debra,
Thanks again for all you do!
Would you be concerned about landscaping with decomposed granite? It may contain crystalline silica, which I believe is carcinogenic to breathe.
Debra’s Answer
I wouldn’t be concerned about this.
Crystalline silica is bound up in the granite. You would have to walk on it heavily and repeatedly for even a tiny amount to be released as the pieces of granite rub against each other. If it’s not in a walkway, this wouldn’t happen.
Even in a walkway, just a few people walking on it once or twice a day still wouldn’t be enough to release the silica.
Lung doctor here. There is data on these dusts causing interstitial lung fibrosis and lung cancer. I don’t know if just walking on it or taking the occasion tumble in it is enough. I’m here because I just bought a home that has this in the backyard. Even though there is no firm evidence that occasional exposure will lead to problems, I am still going to remove and change to something else since I have kids.
Mark I would like to Contact you if possible as we have concerns with this surface in a dog run with a huge amount of dust and need an expert opinion such as yours.
Thanks
M.Meltzer
is it dangerous as a golf cart path as the dust can be breathed in
Any dust can be a breathing hazard, toxic or not, in sufficient amount.
Hello,
I am considering using a white (ice) decomposed granite in landscaping where children will play. Specifically in a tetherball court. Would the silica be a problem here?
Thanks
I don’t have any data on how much walking or jumping on the granite it would take to release the silica in what quantities. This doesn’t sound like a hazard to me.
I did a little research and found that the gravel may break down to produce a mixture of silica sand, silt particles, and clay. To be a hazard, silica needs to be a DUST. Remember beach sand it silica and it is not a hazard.
Decomposed granite is intended to be used for pavement building material. It is used on driveways, garden walkways, bocce courts and pétanque terrains, and urban, regional, and national park walkways and heavy-use paths.
So I think it’s fine for a tetherball court.
WHat if it was laid down and Heavely walked on and dryer out and drive over and moved around with a bobcat creating large clouds of dust in an enclosed stage