The health hazards of construction dust are an often overlooked and over-simplified problem with a variety of solutions depending on the type, quantity and immediate surroundings of dust-producing projects. While the health dangers of toxic dust are often given the precautionary measures they deserve, more common “nuisance” or inert dust is left unattended. Ultimately, any concentration of dust at the workplace can cause irritation of the eyes, ears and throat–especially with extended exposure.
Nuisance dust is defined as dust that contains less than 1% quartz. “Because of its low content of silicates, nuisance dust has a long history of having little adverse effect on the lungs. Any reaction that may occur from nuisance dust is potentially reversible. However, excessive concentrations of nuisance dust in the workplace may reduce visibility (e.g., iron oxide), may cause unpleasant deposits in eyes, ears, and nasal passages (e.g., cement dust), and may cause injury to the skin or mucous membranes by chemical or mechanical action.”
There are several reputable methods for controlling high dust construction sites, including: dust collection systems, wet dust suppression systems, and airborne dust capture through water sprays.
- Dust collection systems are industrial ventilation principles to capture airborne dust from the source. The captured dust is then transported to a dust collector, which cleans the dusty air.
- Wet dust suppression systems use liquids (usually water) to wet the material so that it has a lower tendency to generate dust. Keeping the material damp immobilizes the dust, and very little material becomes airborne.
Respirators and Personal Protection Equipment
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is a basic safety measure to protect workers against inert dust. Although many construction workers are accustomed to wearing hardhats on job sites, too often the PPE designed to protect against worksite dust is disregarded or improperly used.
According to OSHA, more than half-million workers are exposed to fumes from petroleum-based asphalt in road paving, roofing, siding, and concrete. Health effects from exposure to asphalt fumes include headache, skin rash, sensitization, fatigue, reduced appetite, throat and eye irritation, cough, and skin cancer.
Experts stress that unless proper fit and use of equipment, these measures can become compromised in their efficacy. OSHA specifically makes the following recommendations:
- Choose respirators certified for use to protect against the contaminant of concern. NIOSH, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, certifies respirators. A label or statement of certification should appear on the respirator or respirator packaging. It will tell you what the respirator is designed for and how much it will protect you.
- Do not wear respirators into atmospheres containing contaminants for which your respirator is not designed to protect against. For example, a respirator designed to filter dust particles will not protect you against gases, vapors, or very small solid particles of fumes or smoke.
For more information on dust collection systems and the proper use and training for personal protection equipment, see OSHA’s page on respiratory protection.
Know Your Dust
Some dust control procedures are specific to materials such as wood, silica, asbestos and other combustible materials. Respirable dust can include dust particles that are often 100 times smaller than sand. Particles that penetrate deep into the respiratory system are generally beyond the body’s natural mechanisms of removal and are more likely to be retained.
One especially toxic dust to be aware of is crystalline silica. Silica dust can occur when grinding, drilling, and crushing concrete, brick, stone, or other common building materials. The tag line, “if it’s silica, it’s not just dust,” refers to the short-term and chronic health problems that exposure to these types of dust can cause.
OSHA also has detailed information on combustible and silica dust remediation procedures and best practices.
