Key facts
- Portland cement can irritate the eyes, skin, nose and respiratory system.
- Cough, wheezing, breathing difficulty and dermatitis are recognized concerns.
- Cement products may also create a silica hazard when cut, ground or otherwise disturbed.
- Prevent skin and eye contact as well as inhalation.
How exposure happens
Opening bags, mixing dry cement, transferring powder and cleaning spills can release dust. Cutting or grinding hardened cement products can create a different particle mixture and may release respirable crystalline silica.
Practical controls
- Use enclosed transfer, local exhaust or lower-dust delivery methods.
- Add dry material carefully and avoid throwing or dropping powder.
- Use suitable vacuum or wet cleanup rather than dry sweeping.
- Provide appropriate eye, skin and respiratory protection for the task.
Respirator selection
NIOSH recommendations vary with measured concentration and the material present. A hazard assessment should identify whether the concern is Portland cement particulate, crystalline silica or another additive before selecting protection.
Frequently asked questions
Can cement dust irritate skin?
Yes. Cement can cause irritation and dermatitis; wet cement also presents important skin hazards.
Does cement contain silica?
Composition varies. Cutting or grinding concrete and cement-based products can release respirable crystalline silica and requires task-specific controls.
Can I use an ordinary face covering?
An ordinary face covering is not workplace respiratory protection. Use the device selected through the applicable hazard assessment and program.
Sources
This reference was prepared from the following primary public-health and regulatory sources:
- NIOSH Pocket Guide: Portland CementNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
- Crystalline Silica: Health EffectsOccupational Safety and Health Administration