Eye Injuries Due to Lime Dust

Lime dust has an alkaline pH value, according to the Graymont Material Safety Data Sheet. If your eye comes into direct contact with lime dust, severe and possibly permanent damage can occur.

Alkaline or Acidic

• The pH value of a chemical tells if it is acidic, neutral or alkaline. A neutral pH value is 7.0. A pH value below 7.0 is acidic and a pH value above 7.0 is alkaline.

Areas of the Eye That Are Affected by Lime Dust Exposure

• The external surface of the front of the eyeball, specifically the cornea and conjunctiva, is damaged severely by exposure to lime dust.

How the Damage Occurs

• Chemicals with an alkaline pH value, such as lime dust, cause irreversible damage to the blood vessels in the conjunctiva. As a result, blood is no longer able to flow to the tissues in the affected area.

The Cornea

• In severe cases of lime dust exposure the cornea will permanently lose its clarity, causing partial blindness.

How to Avoid Eye Injuries Due to Lime Dust

• If you work around lime dust, you must wear safety goggles.

What to do If Your Eye Is Exposed to Lime Dust

• Graymont Material Safety Data Sheet states that you must first irrigate your eye for 15 minutes with eye-wash solution. If eye-wash solution is not available, tap water is sufficient. After the eyeball has been irrigated, you must seek immediate care from an emergency department doctor, an optometrist or an ophthalmologist.