Choosing the Right Abrasive Media for Sandblasting
                     Choosing the Right Abrasive Media for 
Sandblasting
www.quantumblast.com.au
Dry abrasive blasting can be hazardous and when it was initially developed, 
many people developed respiratory problems from breathing in the dust or 
other particulates. Wet abrasive blasting or dustless blasting does have the same 
hazardous risks as dry blasting. 
Hearing Loss– Since these machines propel particles at high speeds, they need 
powerful motors to keep them running. Air and water compression units can be 
excessively loud, and prolonged exposure without hearing protection can lead to 
semi or permanent hearing loss.
Respiratory Illness– dry blasting creates a lot of dust. If employees breathe in 
this dust, it could cause serious lung damage. In particular, silica sand can cause 
a disease known as silicosis, lung cancer, and breathing problems. Coal slag, 
garnet sand, copper slag, nickel slag, and glass may also cause lung damage 
similar to the effects of silica sand. Job sites that use metal particles may create 
toxic dust that could lead to worse health conditions or death. These materials 
can contain trace amounts of toxic metals like arsenic, cadmium, or beryllium 
that become airborne and can be inhaled.
Skin Irritation– The dust created by abrasive blasting can get into clothing 
quickly and easily. As workers move around, the grit or sand can rub against 
their skin, creating rashes and other painful conditions.
Eye Damage– Some particles used in abrasive blasting are incredibly tiny 
and can cause damage to the eye. Suitable eye protection must be used in 
both dry and wet abrasive blasting. 
Skin Abrasion– Blast suits and blast gloves must be worn to protect the 
body from flying sandblasting particles and accidents. 
Lead Poisoning– Over time, workers can develop heavy metal poisoning if 
these the surface being blasted contains lead coatings and the particles end 
up in the bloodstream, either through breathing or injury.
If you are in doubt between choosing a softer vs a harder abrasive media, 
start with the softer media first. You can always add a harsher abrasive later, 
but it is significantly more work to undo the work of an abrasive that was too 
hard and risk damage to the underlying substrate.
We hope the above article is helpful in explaining the different forms of 
abrasive media and helps you to choose the right abrasive media for 
sandblasting.
Contact Us 1300 822 569
[email protected]
www.quantumblast.com.au