Various Types of Construction Dusts
The construction and building industry have several hazards. Apart from fall risks, construction workers are also exposed to hazardous construction dust. Even though construction dust seems harmless, it can cause various issues. Continue reading this guide to learn more about construction dust.
What is Construction Dust?
Construction dust refers to various types of dust that are generated on construction sites. Apart from being a nuisance and dirty, construction dust can cause several health problems. Most health problems associated with construction dust have long-term implications.
Various Types of Construction Dusts
There are various types of construction dust produced by different construction materials. The following are the common varieties of construction dust:
- Silica Dust
Silica is a natural material found in common construction materials like granite, sand, stone, mortar, and concrete. Drilling, grinding, and cutting these materials produces and releases silica as fine dust. Silica dust particles are microscopic. Inhaling silica dust causes lung disease and lung cancer.
- Wood Dust
Wood dust is produced when machines are used to cut softwood and hardwood. Shaping wood also releases wood dust. People who work in sawmills and the furniture-making industry are usually exposed to wood dust. Constant exposure to wood dust can cause several cancers.
- Non-silica Dust
Non-silica dust refers to the dust that has lower levels of silica. The common materials that release non-silica dust include cement, gypsum, and marble. It is also found in bricks and different compound materials.
How Long Does it Take Construction Dust to Settle?
While there is no set time for construction dust to stay in the air, construction dust can remain in the air for a long time. However, heavy particles cannot remain in the air for long. Heavy particles hover around the construction site and can be seen. These particles can be transferred to the nasal and throat cavity. Light dust particles, on the other hand, keep flowing in the air for a longer time. Light dust cannot be seen and transferred to the nasal and throat cavity and the lungs.
What Diseases Can You Get From Construction Dust?
Inhaling construction dust can cause several health complications. The main complication that several construction workers get from construction dust is asthma. Apart from asthma, construction dust can also cause silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and occupational cancer.
How to Get Rid of Construction Site Dust
Unfortunately, there is no way of stopping the production of construction dust. This does not mean that there is no way of reducing the effects of construction dust. The best way of managing construction dust is by using effective construction dust control solutions. One way of dealing with construction dust is by using water to damp down the dust. This will make the dust too heavy to move. It would also be best to use extractions systems in enclosed spaces. Moreover, using outdoor cleaning machines that absorb construction dust from the air and the surfaces will also help.
Contact us now if you need quality construction dust control solutions.