Types of dust that construction workers may be exposed to

Construction dust can seriously damage workers’ health and life-threatening diseases. Construction workers may be exposed to many types of dust, such as silica, wood and lead dust. Workplace exposure to small particles of silica dust (also known as inhalable crystalline silica) can cause serious illnesses, including silicosis, a progressive lung disease characterized by scarring and thickening of lung tissue; Lung cancer; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); And kidney disease. It is estimated that about two million construction workers are exposed to silica dust on the job.

Construction workers can be exposed to silica dust from many sources. For example, concrete workers may be exposed to silica dust during mixing, sawing, jackhammer, chipping, grinding, and cleaning operations. Masons can be exposed while cutting concrete blocks and bricks, mixing mortar, and caulking. Tile workers are exposed when they cut tile or stone. Road, street, and bridge builders may be exposed when blasting, drilling, milling, crushing, and cutting concrete. Earthwork, excavation, ditching, and demolition may expose site preparation workers, and gypsum board cutting and joint sanding may expose gypsum board workers.