Construction - Concrete and Masonry
Silica is the basic component of sand, quartz and granite. Silicosis, a scarring and hardening of lung tissue, can result when particles of crystalline silica are inhaled and become embedded in the lung. Crystalline silica may be found in quartz, cristobalite, and tridymite.
Thousands of construction workers are exposed to concrete every day without harm. But anyone who uses or supervises the use of portland cement should know its health dangers and the safe working procedures necessary to minimize exposure. This article outlines those dangers and makes recommendations on how to use cement safely.
Cement can cause ill health by skin contact, eye contact, or inhalation. Risk of injury depends on duration and level of exposure and individual sensitivity.
dangerous materials in wet concrete and mortar include:
- alkaline compounds such as lime (calcium oxide) that are corrosive to human tissue
- trace amounts of crystalline silica which is abrasive to the skin and can damage lungs
- trace amounts of chromium that can cause allergic reactions.
The dangers of wet cement are because of its caustic, abrasive, and drying properties.
Wet concrete contacting the skin for a short period and then thoroughly washed off causes little irritation. But continuous contact between skin and wet concrete allows alkaline compounds to penetrate and burn the skin.
When wet concrete or mortar is trapped against the skin—for instance, by falling inside a worker’s boots or gloves or by soaking through protective clothing—the result may be first, second, or third degree burns or skin ulcers. These injuries can take several months to heal and may involve hospitalization and skin grafts.
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