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Cement & Silica Dangers

About 1.7 million workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica throughout different kinds of industries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/ The Occupational and Safety Health Administration estimates that over 1 million workers are routinely exposed to Portland cement or products that contain Portland cement. Some of the industries where workers are at risk of breathing in toxic material include mining, sandblasting and construction. Exposure to cement and silica present certain dangers.

  1. Silica and Silicosis

    • Silica, or crystalline silica, is a type of dust found in concrete, sand, masonry, rock and some paints. Workers are exposed to silica when they perform those activities that release the silica from these materials. People who live or work near places where these activities are performed are also exposed to the dangers associated with silica. Activities that release silica into the atmosphere include crushing, jackhammering, drilling and abrasive blasting of materials that contain silica. Silica is also exposed during demolition of concrete structures. When silica is inhaled into the lungs, it can lead to silicosis, a lung disease with several health complications. Silicosis prevents oxygen from reaching the lungs due to scarring of the air sacs. This in turn leads to shortness of breath and even death. Factors that affect the severity of silicosis include the size of the dust particles and the duration of exposure.

    Silicosis and Cancer

    • Crystalline silica has carcinogenic properties that exponentially increase the risk of lung cancer in those who are routinely exposed to it. The CDC states that studies have shown that inhaled crystalline silica has carcinogenic risks for those who are exposed to it. Some of the workers at the most risk include those in ore mining, ceramics, foundries, granite work and pottery.

    Tuberculosis and Other Infections

    • Reports from OSHA indicate that there is a relation between the inhalation of silica dust and incidences of tuberculosis among workers. The study showed that those at most risk of contracting tuberculosis are those in the construction industry, like furnace and kiln operators, grinding and polishing machine operators and laborers.

    Skin Burns and Cement

    • OSHA identifies that the greatest risk those who work with cement face is related to skin contact with wet cement. People at the most risk are bricklayers, concrete finishers, carpenters, terrazzo workers and plasterers. Wet cement causes a type of caustic burn known as "cement burn." This type of burn cause blisters, hardened skin or discolored skin. In severe burns, it can leave disfiguring scars.

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