How can I reduce my exposure to cement dust?

How can I reduce my exposure to cement dust?

So you should think about more than just dust masks. To reduce dust exposure, consider damping down, ventilation and extraction. Find out more about silica dust exposure limits, regulations and the law. Apart from silica content, cement and concrete dust can be harmful by inhalation in other ways.

Is it harmful to breathe in cement dust?

Apart from silica content, cement and concrete dust can be harmful by inhalation in other ways. On contact with moisture in your mouth, cement and concrete dust forms a corrosive and highly alkaline solution.

Why do we need to protect our lungs from concrete and cement dust?

When you think about dust hazards, the first item of PPE you might consider is a dust mask. But why do we need to protect our lungs when it comes to concrete and cement dust? It might surprise you to know that concrete and cement dust contains silica. If you don’t know much about silica, in dust form, it’s deadly.

What to do about silica dust in concrete?

Local exhaust ventilation can also help limit the amount of dust that is released into the air. Many tools can also be equipped with devices that provide water to the blade or grinder when workers use them to saw concrete, masonry, or other materials that can generate silica dust.

What happens to your lungs when you inhale concrete dust?

Lungs develop scar tissue preferably in upper portions. An acute form (not common) can occur shortly after exposure, or several months later with fever, chest pain, cough, and low oxygen; it can be very serious.

How much respirable dust is there in concrete?

Results: The average concentration of respirable dust in both factories was 0.8 mg/m(3) and 0.06 mg/m(3) for respirable silica. The average silica content of the dust was 9%. The average cumulative dust exposure was 7.0 mg/m(3) year and cumulative silica exposure was 0.6 mg/m(3) year.

What to do if you get dust in your lungs?

Cellular therapy may help reduce the inflammation in the lungs that is caused by dust inhalation by using the patient’s own cells to promote the body’s natural healing ability.

What happens if you inhale too much dust?

The more you are exposed to dust, the more you put yourself at risk for inhaling dust that scars your lungs and results in a disease. While the body has numerous defense mechanisms to handle dust, there is a chance the dust will reach the lungs.