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Silica production involves energy-intensive processes (e.g., furnace reactions for fumed silica, filtration for precipitated silica). Sustainable practices include recycling waste silicate streams and optimizing reactor designs to reduce CO₂ emissions. Occupational exposure to crystalline silica dust is a known health hazard, but amorphous silica (fumed/precipitated) is deemed safe when handled properly. Regulatory bodies (e.g., OSHA, REACH) enforce exposure limits and labeling requirements to protect workers. Innovations in green chemistry aim to minimize waste and enhance biodegradability in end-use applications.