Question: What alternatives to sand are available?

Answer: Silica sand is frequently used as a proppant during hydraulic fracturing. Other proppants can include sintered bauxite, ceramics, and resin-coated sand. Using alternative proppants is one way to reduce silica exposures. However, before using other proppants, it is important to evaluate the health hazards associated with them. If safe proppant alternatives are not feasible, then employers should monitor worker exposures, take measures to prevent exposures to silica, and inform workers of hazards. If appropriate precautions are taken, then the risks associated with using sand can be mitigated.