I wonder how much you could change the result by using different media: fine sand, course sand, and maybe even something like #9 birdshot. We had a company come in and do some careful blasting of some sensitive equipment that had some degree of contamination using ice (basically a frozen mist). It was a very mild abrasive and didn't add to the contaminated waste once it dried.
Anyway, it worth experimenting with the different media options.