Why do adaptive reuse workers encounter silica more often than preservation workers?
Question:
Answer:
Adaptive reuse workers may encounter silica more often than preservation workers due to the vigorous techniques they use to remove dirt, the lack of personal protective equipment provided to them, and the higher likelihood of encountering silica in the buildings they work on.There are multiple reasons why adaptive reuse workers may encounter silica more often than preservation workers. One reason is that adaptive reuse workers often need to remove dirt using vigorous techniques, which can release silica dust. Preservationists, on the other hand, typically focus on maintaining and restoring existing structures rather than performing intensive cleaning.
Another reason is that preservationists are routinely issued personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize their exposure to harmful substances like silica. In contrast, adaptive reuse workers may not always be provided with PPE, increasing their risk of encountering silica.
Lastly, most buildings that qualify for historical preservation do not contain silica, as it is a low-quality building material. Therefore, preservation workers are less likely to encounter silica in their projects compared to adaptive reuse workers who may encounter it frequently.