Allergies to Concrete

The U.S. Department of Labor warns that working with wet concrete or cement over a long period of time can lead to the development of lifelong allergic reactions affecting the skin, eyes, nose and throat.

Wet Concrete

• Due to wet concrete and cement's corrosive nature, months or years of daily exposure to either can quickly destroy skin surfaces, allowing hexavalent chromium to penetrate skin layers and cells, causing an allergic reaction.

Mold and Mildew

• Concrete-related allergies are sometimes caused by sensitivity to mold growing on the surface of concrete or to mildew developing on wet concrete or carpeting.

Effects

• Allergies to concrete due to mold and mildew may include coughing, wheezing and worsening nasal and throat conditions. Repeated, long-term exposure to cement dust or wet concrete containing hexavalent chromium could result in allergic reactions, including skin burns and rashes, and eye, nose and throat irritation.

Prevention/Solution

• To remove mold growing on concrete floors and walls, wash them with a solution of bleach and water. To prevent mildew from forming, do not carpet concrete or damp floors. In addition, use a dehumidifier to dry out basements and other damp, dark areas.

Considerations

• A person who becomes allergic to concrete-related hexavalent chromium is irreversibly sensitized to it for life.

Percentage Fact

• According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, more than 50 percent of U.S. citizens have tested positive for at least one allergen.