If it isn’t obvious yet, allow us to reiterate – construction dust is a significant health risk. In the rest of this post, we will be more specific with regards to the dangers that it can bring to people who will be exposed to the dust, specifically the construction workers. These dangers will make it apparent that dust control products are critical in the construction business.
The Health Risks of Construction Dust
Construction dust can result in short and long-term respiratory problems. The extent of the problem can depend on a number of factors, such as the amount of dust present, type of dust, and the health condition of the person that is affected.
First, it is also important to note that there are different types of dust sources in the construction site. For instance, there is silica dust, which comes from concrete and sandstone, among others. There is also wood dust, which is created when working with wood. More so, they can also come from materials like limestone and marble.
Those who are exposed to dust can immediately exhibit some health problems, such as mucus, coughing, and shortness of breath. It can also worsen existing health conditions. In the long run, the exposure to construction dust can be causes of allergies, asthma, silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
To add, dust in the construction site can also be a cause of cardiovascular disease. This is because once the dust affects the lungs, it requires more effort for the heart to work, and hence, being the cause of the heart problem. There are also certain dust types that can completely paralyze the heart muscles.
The dust in the construction site can also be the cause of the formation of mold and bacteria in a building. In turn, they can cause chronic allergies.
In most instances, the health problem will not be immediately evident. It might take a long time before it develops. The sad part is that once the problem becomes apparent, it is already too serious and hence, it is too late to act.
The Solutions
While the problem can indeed be serious, the good news is that there is a promising solution available. Yes, dust is inevitable in the construction site. However, this does not mean that construction businesses cannot do anything about it. On the top of the possible solutions would be dust suppression using mediums like water, steam, mist, and fog sprays. In this case, if your business needs an innovative approach or equipment for dust suppression, check out what Southwest Ranches Real Estate BossTek offers.
Aside from suppression, dust containment also offers a promising solution. This can be done through using cyclones and scrubbers, among others.
The easiest solution, however, is to wear the prescribed personal protective equipment. This will prevent the workers from ingesting or inhaling dust that can put their health at risk.
Indeed, dust is a significant risk in the construction site. It can lead to serious health problems that can affect the productivity of the workers. Therefore, any construction business should develop a solid plan to manage and suppress dust in the job site.
