Many professions may be exposed to construction dust in a construction environment. Anyone who inhales construction dust should be aware of the health risks this may cause. Regular inhalation, of even small quantities of construction dust, can damage the lungs and respiratory airways over the course of time. Diseases can develop quite quickly, but in many cases, it can take 10 to 30 years before symptoms become apparent. Unfortunately, by the time the problem is noticed, irreparable damage is often done, and it can be difficult or impossible to treat.
What is construction dust?
Construction dust is a broad term, as there are many different types of dust one may be exposed to in a construction environment. The largest particles, which are visible, are captured by the body’s natural defences, and remain, in most cases in the nose, mouth and throat. The small particles, which are invisible to the human eye, are the most dangerous, and can cause scarring of the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.
Examples of construction dust
Silica dust arises during work with materials containing silica, such as concrete, mortar and sandstone.
Wood dust arises during work with softwood, hardwood and wood-based materials such as MDF and plywood.
Other types of dust arise during work with plaster, glass wool, mineral wool, marble, etc.
Health risks
Lung damage such as silicosis, lung cancer, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and includes diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Construction dust can also cause allergies.
Respiratory protection
When all other measures have been taken to reduce dangerous exposure levels, respiratory protection equipment is the last, but important, means of preventing hazardous air contamination entering the body via the airways.
The choice of respiratory protection depends, amongst other factors, on the type of dust present, its WEL (Workplace Exposure Limit), and the nature of the work, i.e. the degree of physical exertion and the length of exposure.
Facial hair, such as beards, moustaches and sideburns, reduce the level of protection offered by tight-fitting respirators, and create a need for Powered Air Respiratory Protection to ensure adequate levels of contaminant reduction.
National regulations and requirements must be followed, and these may vary from state to state. Always check carefully with the relevant regulatory body for which regulations apply to your location and workplace.
