Sandblasting harmful to citizens' health, says government
Jordan Times
Jul. 17, 2007
Hana Namrouqa
AMMAN -- The government will introduce new regulations this month to regulate the practice of sandblasting to clean buildings, a government official said on Monday.
Ministry of Environment Spokesperson Isa Shboul said the regulations are being introduced following complaints by citizens and also as a result of studies which prove that dust caused by sandblasting is harmful to the respiratory system.
"It's not only harmful to health but also pollutes the environment," said Shboul.
Sandblasting is a general term used to describe the act of propelling very fine bits of material, usually sand, at high velocity to clean or etch a surface.
The new regulations will require owners of sandblasting businesses to replace dry sand with wet sand, thus limiting the spread of dust emissions in the air.
The regulations also oblige them to screen off the buildings on which they are working with canvas to limit dust emissions.
"Citizens have also complained about the piles of sand left near premises where sandblasting has taken place," Shboul said.
The ministry, in cooperation with the Environmental Police Department will supervise the disposal of sand residues after the cleaning process is completed, said Shboul.
He added that environmental police will carry out inspection campaigns to ensure people are abiding by the new regulations and that violators will be fined.