Breathing Dust From Tile Removal? Best 47 Answer

The article aims to answer the question “How do you get concrete dust out of your lungs?”. It also discusses how concrete dust can damage your lungs and how to remove concrete dust from your home.

How do you get concrete dust out of your lungs?

When working with concrete, concrete dust can get into the lungs. The following information will help you get concrete dust out of your lungs:

Invest in an expensive water filter that will help your lungs recover.

If you can’t get the concrete dust out of your lungs, you’ll get persistent alveolitis or maybe pneumoconiosis if you don’t stop working on the construction site.

Take a pill or two. The doctor will give you a drug that will cost an arm and a leg and make you feel like you’re taking an over-the-counter cough syrup (such as Robitussin). The downside is that it doesn’t also remove concrete dust from your lungs.

How do I get concrete dust out of my lungs?

You can clear concrete dust from your lungs by:

Opens the airways and helps the lungs expel mucus by inhaling water vapor, which is known as steaming or vapor inhalation.

Cough under control: The natural elimination of toxins from the body occurs by coughing up phlegm. Coughing up the phlegm that has built up in the lungs helps clear the airways.

Remove the excess phlegm from the lungs: Postural drainage is a method to remove phlegm from the lungs by sleeping in different postures and relying on gravity. This therapy can improve breathing and prevent or treat lung infections.

Regular physical activity has been shown to increase both physical and mental well-being and reduce the risk of a variety of health problems, including heart disease and stroke.

At the same time, physical activity boosts the metabolism, which leads to a greater supply of oxygen to the muscles. A better circulatory system means the body is better able to get rid of the extra carbon dioxide it creates during physical activity.

Is concrete dust harmful to the lungs?

Yes, concrete dust is bad for your lungs.

Long-term exposure to high concentrations of cement dust causes short-term inflammation of the nose and throat. With prolonged exposure, occupational asthma can develop over time. Silica respirable dust can also be found in a mortar (RCS).

Concrete, masonry, and rock all contain crystalline silica. Inhaling tiny particles of these materials can cause lung injury if they become airborne. Silicosis can be fatal or severely debilitating.

Most concrete and masonry materials contain a lot of sand by weight. Silicosis is a debilitating, irreversible, and incurable lung disease that occurs when you inhale dust containing silica particles. Fortunately, silicosis is completely preventable.

How do you get concrete dust out of the basement?

Read the instructions below to get the concrete dust out of the basement:

Rubber gloves, a face mask, and safety goggles are necessary precautions. This is to prevent cement dust from getting into your lungs or eyes, both of which can be dangerous.

Before cleaning, try to minimize the amount of cement dust that becomes airborne. It is enough to vacuum the entire room.

Start with the ceiling, then move on to the furniture and end with the floor. It is highly recommended to use a duster attachment to make your work easier.

When cleaning with a brush, cement dust is abrasive and can damage floors and furniture. Vacuuming is the best way to get rid of this. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter or one that discharges to the outside.

Most concrete dust can be removed with a vacuum, but make sure you follow up with a damp rag afterwards as liquids will help pick up dust.

Cleaning curtains, furniture and carpets with a rag is not always possible, so vacuum cleaners are essential.

The spread of concrete dust can be prevented by using a vacuum attachment.

As soon as concrete dust arises, it can be caught and removed with special industrial vacuum cleaners equipped with dust-collecting attachments.

How do you clean concrete dust in the basement?

Read on to learn how to clean concrete dust in basement, as removing cement dust from your home and furniture requires numerous steps that should be done beforehand.

Protect yourself and make cleaning a breeze with it.

The place to be cleaned should be well ventilated.

Wear a face mask, safety goggles, and rubber gloves to protect your eyes and hands.

This is to ensure that you don’t inhale cement dust or that it doesn’t come into contact with your eyes, both of which can be hazardous to your health.

Before cleaning, reduce the amount of cement dust in the air. It is enough to vacuum the entire room.

As you work your way down to the floor, start with the ceiling. Using a duster attachment will make your job a lot easier.

When cleaning with a brush, cement dust is abrasive and can damage floors and furniture.

Vacuuming is the best way to get rid of this. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter or one that discharges to the outside.

Get rid of concrete dust in the basement with detergent?

To get rid of concrete dust in the basement with dish soap, add some water in a bucket. If you are cleaning a large area, you will need more water.

Add a little dish soap to the water (just enough to make it sudsy enough).

Fill a spray bottle halfway with the soap solution and shake to mix well.

Wipe the surface with a soft cloth after spraying it with the solution. If the cloth becomes dusty, repeat the rinsing process.

Wipe the area where the solution was administered with a damp, new, soft cloth. Depending on how much detergent is left on the surface, you may need to repeat this process several times.

Get rid of concrete dust in the basement with vacuum cleaning?

To get rid of concrete dust in the basement by vacuuming, you need to consider the following things:

Part of the purification process is more extensive than it first appears. They have already cleaned the walls, but dust stains can still be seen on all types of curtains and upholstery.

Before proceeding with the rest of the furniture, vacuum the floor. For best cleaning results, seats and cushions require special attention.

Knowing how to remove concrete dust from a home is beneficial for homeowners.

The carpets should be cared for after cleaning the furniture.

When vacuuming these carpets, keep in mind that they may require more than one pass due to the embedded particles.

What precautions do I need to take to remove concrete dust?

Take the following precautions to remove concrete dust:

Avoid getting cement dust in your eyes – Getting cement dust in your eyes can irritate your eyes both immediately and for some time afterwards.

If this dust gets into the eyes, it can cause slight irritation and pain up to chemical burns. Wearing safety goggles or other eye protection is strongly recommended to minimize potential eye damage.

Removing a large amount of dust can make you sweat, but it’s always a good idea to protect your skin from excess dust exposure.

Concrete dust can cause severe skin irritation, including burns, rashes, and other skin conditions. If it comes into contact with your skin, wash it off as soon as possible and protect your feet, legs, hands and other vulnerable areas.

Avoid breathing dust – It goes without saying that you should avoid breathing dust when working on construction projects, but you should also take precautions to avoid dust getting into your lungs while cleaning.

Nose and throat can become inflamed after prolonged exposure to cement dust. Keeping the room well ventilated and wearing a mask when necessary can go a long way in preventing discomfort.

Conclusion

It is quite possible that you have inhaled a lot of concrete dust while working on a construction site. Drinking water and showering are the best ways to flush dust out of your lungs.

That is, unless you have the financial means to pay for the services. In addition, there are many other options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): How do you get concrete dust out of your lungs?

How do you get concrete dust out of your lungs?

Invest in an expensive water filter that will help your lungs recover. If you can’t get the concrete dust out of your lungs, you’ll get persistent alveolitis or maybe pneumoconiosis if you don’t stop working on the construction site.

Take a pill or two. The doctor will give you a drug that will cost an arm and a leg and make you feel like you’re taking an over-the-counter cough syrup (such as Robitussin). The downside is that it doesn’t also remove concrete dust from your lungs.

How do I get concrete dust out of my lungs?

Opens the airways and helps the lungs expel mucus by inhaling water vapor, which is known as steaming or vapor inhalation.

Cough under control: The natural elimination of toxins from the body occurs by coughing up phlegm. Coughing up the phlegm that has built up in the lungs helps clear the airways.

Remove the excess phlegm from the lungs: Postural drainage is a method to remove phlegm from the lungs by sleeping in different postures and relying on gravity. This therapy can improve breathing and prevent or treat lung infections.

Is concrete dust harmful to the lungs?

Yes, concrete dust is harmful to the lungs.

Long-term exposure to high concentrations of cement dust causes short-term inflammation of the nose and throat. With prolonged exposure, occupational asthma can develop over time. Silica respirable dust can also be found in mortar (RCS).

Concrete, masonry, and rock all contain crystalline silica. Inhaling tiny particles of these materials can cause lung injury if they become airborne. Silicosis can be fatal or severely debilitating.

How do you get concrete dust out of the basement?

Rubber gloves, a face mask, and safety goggles are necessary precautions. This is to prevent cement dust from getting into your lungs or eyes, both of which can be dangerous.

Before cleaning, try to minimize the amount of cement dust that becomes airborne. It is enough to vacuum the entire room. Start with the ceiling, move on to the furniture and end with the floor. It is highly recommended to use a duster attachment to make your work easier.

bibliography

Natural ways to clear your lungs. Retrieved from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324483

What are the symptoms of silicosis?

Symptoms of silicosis usually appear after long-term exposure. In early stages, symptoms are mild and include cough, sputum production, and progressive shortness of breath. As the scarring continues to worsen, the first real signs of a problem may be an abnormal chest X-ray and a slowly developing cough.

Once the scarring of the lungs has increased, various symptoms can appear. These often include bronchitis-like symptoms such as a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. Sufferers also experience weakness, fatigue, fever, night sweats, swelling of the legs, and bluish discoloration of the lips.

The longer silicosis remains untreated, the more likely it is that a complication will develop. Because the disease affects the immune system, silicosis patients are prone to developing tuberculosis, lung cancer, COPD, and kidney disease.

Every day thousands of people wake up and get ready to work in the workshop or on the construction site. Often they set out to rip out and install a beautiful new tiled bathroom in an apartment building, or maybe they’ll finish that 2,000 square foot luxury hotel lobby. Whatever comes their way, aside from the mixing, matching, and grouting, tilers need to take the time to take respiratory safety seriously.

Respirable crystalline silica dust is a dangerous hazard to which millions of workers are unknowingly exposed every year. Of these estimated 2 million workers, 840,000 are exposed to silica in excess of the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL), or level of exposure considered safe. Around 90% of these people are employed in the construction industry.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have identified exposure to silica as a health hazard for workers involved in the finishing and installation of natural and engineered stone products, both in fabrication facilities and also during operation -finishing/installation on site. Fortunately, in most operations, this hazard can be mitigated with simple and effective dust controls1.

Professionals who are serious about OSHA compliance, site contamination and worker safety recognize the importance of enforcing strict standards regarding airborne hazards such as silica or other harmful materials such as airborne asbestos. The safest workplaces are where every employee looks out for one another by reporting accidents, maintaining equipment, and following regulations.

With the OSHA Silica Standard now in effect, silica education and awareness should be paramount to any safety plan.

know the danger

Crystalline silica is an extremely common mineral found in granite, sandstone, quartzite, various other rocks and sand and becomes dangerous when disturbed. Refined natural and engineered stone products, porcelain and ceramic tile products do not themselves pose a health hazard. It is the manufacture and processing of these products that generate dust that one can expose to crystalline silica (quartz). Cutting, sawing, grinding, crushing, crushing, drilling or sanding these materials produces fine silica dust which, if not contained, seriously pollutes the air.

Tiles aren’t always the only culprits on the job site that provide exposure. Mixing mortar and mortar can also present a “dusty” hazard. These products, which are generally made using cement or sand aggregate, also contain silica.

Breathing in respirable crystalline silica dust can lead to respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or silicosis. Silicosis causes inflammatory damage in areas affected by silica, causing scar tissue to form over critical lung components.

Do you know the norm

The 2016 OSHA Silica Standard limits exposure to silica to a PEL of 50 micrograms of respirable crystalline silica per cubic meter of air, or 50 µg SiO2/m3 over an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). Table 1 identifies occupational exposures to silica along with work practices and specified engineering control methods to limit exposure. Employers who follow the requirements of Table 1 are not required to measure silica exposure through airborne monitoring and are not subject to the PEL. OSHA recognizes the use of tools equipped with a water delivery system that provides a continuous jet or spray of water at the point of impact, or the use of tools equipped with a commercial shroud and dust collection system as work practice control methods, which safely limit the silica load.

Alternative exposure control methods are available to give contractors more flexibility in their choice of work practices and tools. These methods require some additional control measures to be compliant with the OSHA Silica Standard. For alternative control methods, as explained in the OSHA Silica Standard:

PEL: The employer must ensure that no employee is exposed to an airborne concentration of respirable crystalline silica greater than 50 µg/m3 calculated as the 8-hour TWA.

Exposure Assessment: The employer shall assess the exposure of any worker using respirable crystalline silica at or above the exposure action level under either the performance option in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) or or the planned monitoring option in paragraph (d)(2)(iii ) from Table 1.

Performance Option: The employer must assess the 8-hour TWA exposure for each worker based on any combination of airborne surveillance data or objective data sufficient to accurately characterize worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica.

Table 1 (Click the image to enlarge.)

The regulation goes beyond the PEL. The other must-haves for companies are:

A competent person on site to oversee the silica program.

A written program.

A training program for workers.

Records.

Know your exposure

One way to determine exposure to silica is to monitor the air. To many, this may seem like a complicated, expensive process. It’s actually pretty easy once you understand what it’s all about.

Air monitors measure the air quality in a worker’s breathing zone and determine silica exposure during a specific work practice. This method uses a battery-powered vacuum cleaner that is attached to an operator’s shirt collar and collects air samples directly from where the operator is breathing.

Another way to determine silica exposure is through objective data provided by tool manufacturers. OSHA defines objective data as “information such as B. Air monitoring data from industry-wide surveys or calculations based on the composition of a substance, which determine employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica associated with a specific product or material, or a specific process, task or activity. This data must reflect workplace conditions that closely resemble or have a higher potential for exposure to the processes, material types, control methods, work practices and environmental conditions in the employer’s current operations.” When a manufacturer tests its equipment and the work practices and materials used, the workplace conditions OSHA permits the use of this data as objective data as part of a written silica exposure control plan.

Once you are familiar with exposure levels, you can decide which options are best for controlling silica exposure at your job site or in your shop.

Know your stuff

“Check twice, cut once.” The old adage not only prevents incorrect measurements; It’s also a reminder to double check what material is being cut. For example, natural stones and quartz materials contain high amounts of the natural mineral silica. Exposure varies by stone type and exposure to silica can vary depending on the silica content of a porcelain or ceramic material used.

Controlled tile cutting tests show that emissions of crystalline silica and metals to air are highly dependent on their concentrations in the tile2. If you are unsure whether a product contains crystalline silica, you should check the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Know your options

Regardless of what tool is used – a saw, grinder, or high-speed polisher – it is essential to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety goggles and hearing protection. You should also know exactly what you are getting yourself into in order to implement proper control methods when exposing hazardous materials.

Whether you’re calibrating a piece of tile or blind cutting into a wall, care should be taken to create airborne contaminants that may include silica dust or even asbestos particles. Whether you use hand or power tools, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from unknown airborne contamination. Remember that awareness and education ensure prevention and safety. So if you need a refresher course, take it. Your lungs will thank you.

The Natural Stone Institute’s (NSI) technical module, Silicosis – An Industry Guide to Awareness and Prevention, offers tips for controlling exposure to silica in stone processing. It is available to employees and employers on the NSI website. For additional NSI resources, visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/silica.

First in a two-part series on construction site dust composition and control. Click here to read Part 2.

Dust is unavoidable during conversion. There’s almost no job a remodeler can do that doesn’t generate dust, and there are many everyday jobs — demolition, drywall cutting, and sanding, for example — that produce large volumes of the material. Most remodelers set up makeshift “tents” with poly and painter’s tape in a halfhearted effort to keep dust from spreading throughout the house. But the attitude of many contractors is that it’s a losing battle; a fact of life change that you and your customers, who mostly want to stay at home during the project, simply have to accept. But for some people, living with dust means living with physical ailments — and maybe not living that long.

The US Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) policy is changing the attitudes and practices of remodelers who work on homes built before 1978, but the dust problem extends beyond lead paint. Dust from remodeling job sites is a nasty stuff that gets into everything – not just floors, cabinets and electrical appliances, but the air breathed by workers, homeowners and their families. Failure to do what is necessary to control the dust generated by construction is not only bad for business, it is also bad for the health of your employees, your contractors and your customers.

The dust separation

Ironically, preventing health problems is a primary motivation for home renovations. 40 percent of US homeowners surveyed in the Houzz Healthy Homes Trend Study (October 2014) were motivated to remodel because they wanted a healthier home. Humidity, air quality and cleanliness have been at the top of the list of indoor issues for homeowners to deal with.

Most homeowners either want to stay in their home during the renovation or have no other choice. More and more people are concerned about air quality themselves during the remodel, especially those who have witnessed a past project. Unfortunately, when it comes to construction-related dust, there’s a huge disconnect between homeowners’ concerns and renovators’ attitudes. In market research conducted by MMR Research Associates for ITW (Illinois Tool Works), 89 percent of homeowners surveyed were concerned about “surviving the project.” While 64 percent of contractors acknowledged concerns about health issues during construction, only 39 percent said they took additional measures to address the issue.

In fact, professional remodeling contractors reported that homeowners are quite happy with current dust management methods. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth: In a study commissioned by ITW related to its BuildClean dust control system, 81 percent of 251 homeowners surveyed said they were dissatisfied with dust exposure. And a staggering 85 percent said job site dust is the number one inconvenience during remodeling. For these customers, dust is worse than living with missing walls and plastic over the windows. It’s worse than missing a kitchen sink or dishwasher, or chocking the fridge in the living room. And it stands above the constant din of circular saws and heavy equipment.

And not just during the job, but afterward: Many homeowners told the researchers that after the contractor’s work was completed, due to the excessive dust, they had to do additional work themselves to complete the project.

PATHS TO THE DUST LEGEND:

A] Behind knee walls; B] loft hatch; C] wiring holes; D] ventilation slots; E] Inner soffits; F] recessed lights; G] chimney or canal hunts; H] marginal bar; I] Windows & Doors

what’s in the dust

Every home has a background dust level, with the specific level depending on a mix of factors. This includes the age of the home, the number of people living in the residence, their activities, and the number and type of pets they have. Household dust typically consists of a combination of: human dander and animal fur; decomposing insect parts; leftovers; fluff and fibers from clothing, bedding and other fabrics; entrained soil; soot and ash; particulate matter from smoking and cooking; as well as allergens and pollutants from the environment. The climate also influences the dust composition. For example, research from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has found that increased indoor humidity is associated with increased levels of house dust mite allergens.

construction site dust

During a typical remodeling project, multiple dust-generating events such as demolition and drywall grinding contribute additional components and increased particle counts to background dust levels. Embedded in the dust generated during the remodeling is organic matter such as rodent droppings, dead bugs, dust mites and mold spores; pulverized material residues such as gypsum from drywall, silica from cement and sawdust from wood; plus asbestos, lead and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from a variety of sources.

Most of the dust that homeowners see and complain about has settled on floors, countertops, window sills, bookshelves, trim and moldings, and other surfaces. But many dust particles, including some too small to see, are easily airborne during normal household chores. Whenever people or pets move, they kick up dust, either by tracking pollutants from the outside in, or by tracking dust through the house from one room to another.

The HVAC system also moves dust, as do natural pathways in a structure (see “Pathways for Dust”, image above). As warmer air rises and cooler air falls, it carries dust particles with it, not only through rooms and hallways, but also into and through unsealed joist, joist, and rafter bays. And every time someone opens a window or door, the change in air pressure can suck in pollutants from outside, kicking up tiny particles of dust in the air that eventually settle, only to be kicked up again in an endless cycle.

Size matters

We all know what a layer of dust on a floor or countertop looks like, but there’s a lot more to this fine, dry powder than meets the eye. Scientists categorize dust into three types by size, based on how deep the particles that make up each type can penetrate the body. The smaller the particles, the greater the penetration into the body and the greater the health risk (see the article “The body’s defenses against inhaling dusty air”).

Respirable dust consists of particles 100 microns in diameter or less that can get into the mouth and nose with normal breathing.

consists of particles 100 microns in diameter or less that can enter the mouth and nose with normal breathing. Chest dust consists of particles 10 microns in diameter or less that pass through the mouth and nose and reach the upper respiratory tract.

includes particles 10 microns in diameter or smaller that pass through the mouth and nose and reach the upper respiratory tract. Respirable dust consists of particles less than 5 microns in size that can penetrate into the alveoli of the lungs.

A measure of air quality is the number of particles larger than 0.5 microns or “microns” (μm) in 1 cubic foot of air (see the “How small is a micron?” figure above). As part of research for ITW during the development of the BuildClean system, air measurements were taken on active construction sites before, during and after typical construction site tasks. Airborne particle counters from ARTI and Dylos were used, both of which are capable of determining dust concentrations of particles smaller than 0.3 µm to 5.0 µm in size. Example values ​​are given in the Construction Dust Profiles table (at the end of this article), expressed as the number of particles in 1 cubic foot of air.

The results show that a typical pre-construction room has an average of 20,000 to 30,000 particles per cubic foot. (By comparison, a cubic foot of air over mid-ocean or high mountains contains fewer than 200 particles larger than 0.5 μm.) However, there is a much larger amount of airborne particles in certain remodeling jobs. Depending on the task performed and the dust management practices used, the data shows readings of up to 800,000 particles larger than 0.5 µm per cubic foot. (In a continuation of this article, the July 2016 issue of Professional Remodeler examines materials and equipment for effective dust management.)

The concentration of particles is greater the closer you get to the dust-producing work, and is also affected by how long the particles are suspended in the air (see diagram “When the dust settles” above). Gravity pulls heavier particles to the ground sooner than lighter (and usually smaller) particles, which tend to stay airborne longer:

Particles 15 µm–100 µm in diameter (inhalable) may settle within 1 minute; in larger spaces, the volume of air increases the time it takes to settle.

Particles less than 10 µm in diameter (thoracic) take about 3 minutes to settle.

Particles with a diameter of 5 µm (respirable) settle in about 8 minutes.

Particles with a diameter of 1 µm (respirable) take up to 4 or more hours to settle.

Clean the air

ITW also measured how quickly specific control measures could reduce particle counts on an active conversion site. The results of his tests demonstrate the drastic impact that a redesign can have on indoor air quality, as well as the effectiveness of air containment measures (see Dust Removal Tests table below). Similar air tests were recently performed by Bert Schiller, an independent certified industrial hygienist, in a 6,000 cubic foot (30 x 20 x 10) room. Results showed that immediately after the dust-generating event, particles larger than 0.5 micrometers in diameter reached over 500,000 counts per cubic foot. Then a BuildClean unit was turned on in the middle of the room and after 6 minutes the dust level dropped to approximately 140,000 particles per cubic foot; after 12 minutes (a complete air change), the dust concentration dropped to about 90,000; and after 1 hour the particle count dropped to about 30,000.

control dust

Gone are the days of shaking off the inevitability of dust on a remodeling project. In addition to the inconvenience and annoyance they cause homeowners, and increasing awareness of the potential health hazards posed by a dusty job site, OSHA’s newly revised Silica Code makes dust containment and control a necessary part of a remodeling contractor’s standard practices. In next month’s issue, we’ll explore ways to measure dust levels and talk to contractors about the materials, equipment and jobsite practices they’re using to reduce or eliminate airborne particles and protect homeowners and workers during construction.

More articles on jobsite dust and dust control:

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What is a lung cleanse? Our lungs do a lot for us. While most of us don’t think of our lungs as something we can exercise, there are steps we can take to make them work better. The air we breathe can be contaminated with many types of pollutants. Anything from pollen to chemicals to second hand smoke can get trapped in the air and get into our lungs. Our lungs are largely self-cleaning organs, but there are certain things you can do to keep them functioning optimally. A lung cleanse may be helpful for people suffering from a medical condition that causes breathing difficulties, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cystic fibrosis. You may also benefit from a lung cleanse if you are a heavy smoker or have to take certain inhaled medications. There are many ways you can perform a lung cleanse, including lifestyle changes and exercises that help the lungs rid themselves of excess fluid.

1. Get an Air Purifier Start cleaning your lungs by improving the quality of the air in your home. You can buy an air purifier that can be placed in individual rooms. You can also invest in a household-wide cleaner. Buy an air purifier online.

2. Change your house filters Along with getting an air purifier, you should change all filters in your house and clean all air vents, such as air vents. B. those in the bathroom or the ventilation slots of your air conditioning or heating. Be sure to replace your oven filter every six months as well. Buy an air filter or furnace filter online.

3. Eliminate Artificial Fragrances You may think you’re helping the air in your home by making it smell nice with air fresheners, candles, or those popular wax candle warmers. However, these scents are often full of harmful chemicals that can irritate your lungs. Household cleaning products can also be irritating, so check your cupboards and replace your cleaning products with all-natural products whenever possible.

4. Spend more time outdoors Getting plenty of fresh air can help expand the tissues in your lungs and keep them working properly. Check the pollution forecasts in your area. Avoid exercising outside when pollution levels are high and stay away from burning garbage, burning wood, or other types of smoke. If you are concerned about pollution or live in an area with high pollution levels, you can wear an air filter mask. Buy an air filter mask online.

5. Try breathing exercises Certain breathing exercises can improve lung function, especially in people who currently smoke, have smoked in the past, or have lung damage from chronic lung disease. There are also tools you can use to practice your breathing, such as B. a spirometer. This type of device is often used after surgery to aid in the recovery process. Other breathing exercises require no tools. These techniques include: Breathing with pursed lips

Abdominal breathing, also known as diaphragmatic breathing. If you are a smoker or have lung damage, you should talk to your doctor about available options. They should be able to refer you to a respiratory clinic where therapists can put you on a special program to help you.

6. Practice Percussion Percussion, or chest percussion, is a technique that can help drain fluid from the lungs. To do this, lie down with your head down and lightly pat your back, working from top to bottom. It’s often combined with postural drainage, a technique in which you change the position of your body to make it easier for fluid to drain from the lungs. You can lie on your side, stomach, or back. Many people with cystic fibrosis or pneumonia use percussion and postural drainage. The person’s back is slapped firmly with cupped hands, which loosens secretions. The tilted position helps secretions move up and out of the lungs.

Risks and Warnings There isn’t much research to support the use of products like pills that claim to clear the lungs. It’s best to prevent lung damage by avoiding smoking, pollution, and other lung irritants. Some lung cleansing products can actually make certain lung conditions worse, so be sure to speak to your doctor before trying any particular lung cleansing product.

Crystalline fumed silica is dangerous and dangerous

Respirable crystalline silica has been linked to many respiratory diseases. The extremely small dust particles are about 100 times smaller than playground or beach sand. About 2 million construction workers are affected and there are about 900 new cases each year, according to OSHA. Homeowners and their loved ones are among the many people affected by exposure each year. You can easily prevent respiratory diseases like those listed above by hiring a company that specializes in dust-free tile removal. DustRam® is the nation’s leader in dust-free floor removal. For more information, contact our team of experts today!

Tile dust, also known as crystalline silica dust, is an abundant mineral found in the earth’s crust. Tile dust is commonly found in quartz stone and is a basic component of tile, stone, mortar, sand, concrete, mortar (thin set), brick and soil. Fumed silica is used in the manufacture of pottery, glass, concrete, ceramics, brick, engineered stone and more. Silica can also be found in those tiny sachets in the cardboard packaging, labeled “silica” and containing a warning telling you not to pick up the dust. Crystalline silica is an extremely dangerous dust that can harm your health. Dust is created during traditional tile and grout removal and is released into the air that permeates your home. OSHA classifies fumed silica as a human lung carcinogen, meaning it is known to cause cancer. Inhaling silica dust often leads to silicosis, a respiratory disease that can be fatal.

No common dust health hazards from crystalline silica dust

Crystalline silica is a mineral that is abundant in the earth’s crust. It is most commonly found in quartz and is a component of concrete, sand, stone, mortar, brick and mortar. You may recall finding a small sachet labeled “Silica” in the packaging of a box to absorb moisture, with a stern warning not to ingest it. During traditional tile and thin tile removal, crystalline silica dust is released into the air.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), crystalline silica is classified as carcinogenic (cancer causing) to human lungs. Prolonged or acute inhalation causes a respiratory condition called silicosis. Silicosis is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in which the crystalline silicic acid gets stuck in the small air sacs of the lungs, the so-called alveoli. The dust causes scar tissue to form and limits the lungs’ ability to properly take up and process oxygen and blocks gas exchange at the cellular level.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “Occupational exposure to crystalline silica occurs frequently in routine workplace activities involving the cutting, sawing, drilling, grinding, blasting, and crushing of concrete, brick, block, rock, and stone products ( B. during construction work) …. These types of exposures can lead to the development of disabling and sometimes fatal lung diseases, including silicosis and lung cancer. Processes historically associated with high rates of silicosis include sandblasting, sand casting foundries, mining, tunneling, cement cutting and demolition, masonry work, and granite cutting.”

Crystalline fumed silica is so hazardous that the National Institute for Occupational Safety (NIOSH) recommends… “Workers avoid bringing fumed silica home from work by:

Change to disposable or washable work clothing on site.

Shower (if possible) and change into clean clothes before leaving the site to avoid contamination of other work areas, cars and homes.

Park your car where it will not be contaminated with silica.”

Hiring a contractor to remove your tile or stone floor means someone will remove the ceramic, porcelain, or stone tile and the thin grout and mortar that binds it to the concrete subfloor. The contractor typically uses a jackhammer or chipping hammer to scrape off the flimsy concrete-based set, a process that creates static electricity and can cause the dust to rise to your ceilings and walls.

All of these normal methods create a pervasive, re-emerging layer of crystalline silica dust in your home environment, exposing your family, elderly parents, infants, children, and pets to the effects of airborne dust contaminants. Once this dust enters your HVAC system, it recirculates and repeats exposure to this hazardous dust. Even if the contractor puts plastic all over your home to cover your vents and air intakes, it doesn’t create an airtight seal. Also, consider what happens when the contractor removes the plastic. All the dust that settled is now being carried into the air. Once airborne, it is inhaled and recirculated over and over again, increasing the time you are exposed to the dust hazard.

Cutting Edge Tile Removal uses patented DustRam® system equipment to remove your tile, stone, grout and grout dust-free! No other contractor in the Houston, TX area is certified to use this advanced system of tile removal tools and the special processes that allow the crystalline fumed silica to be captured at the source in every step of the removal process.

Every day thousands of people wake up and get ready to work in the workshop or on the construction site. Often they set out to rip out and install a beautiful new tiled bathroom in an apartment building, or maybe they’ll finish that 2,000 square foot luxury hotel lobby. Whatever comes their way, aside from the mixing, matching, and grouting, tilers need to take the time to take respiratory safety seriously.

Respirable crystalline silica dust is a dangerous hazard to which millions of workers are unknowingly exposed every year. Of these estimated 2 million workers, 840,000 are exposed to silica in excess of the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL), or level of exposure considered safe. Around 90% of these people are employed in the construction industry.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have identified exposure to silica as a health hazard for workers involved in the finishing and installation of natural and engineered stone products, both in fabrication facilities and also during operation -finishing/installation on site. Fortunately, in most operations, this hazard can be mitigated with simple and effective dust controls1.

Professionals who are serious about OSHA compliance, site contamination and worker safety recognize the importance of enforcing strict standards regarding airborne hazards such as silica or other harmful materials such as airborne asbestos. The safest workplaces are where every employee looks out for one another by reporting accidents, maintaining equipment, and following regulations.

With the OSHA Silica Standard now in effect, silica education and awareness should be paramount to any safety plan.

know the danger

Crystalline silica is an extremely common mineral found in granite, sandstone, quartzite, various other rocks and sand and becomes dangerous when disturbed. Refined natural and engineered stone products, porcelain and ceramic tile products do not themselves pose a health hazard. It is the manufacture and processing of these products that generate dust that one can expose to crystalline silica (quartz). Cutting, sawing, grinding, crushing, crushing, drilling or sanding these materials produces fine silica dust which, if not contained, seriously pollutes the air.

Tiles aren’t always the only culprits on the job site that provide exposure. Mixing mortar and mortar can also present a “dusty” hazard. These products, which are generally made using cement or sand aggregate, also contain silica.

Breathing in respirable crystalline silica dust can lead to respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or silicosis. Silicosis causes inflammatory damage in areas affected by silica, causing scar tissue to form over critical lung components.

Do you know the norm

The 2016 OSHA Silica Standard limits exposure to silica to a PEL of 50 micrograms of respirable crystalline silica per cubic meter of air, or 50 µg SiO2/m3 over an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). Table 1 identifies occupational exposures to silica along with work practices and specified engineering control methods to limit exposure. Employers who follow the requirements of Table 1 are not required to measure silica exposure through airborne monitoring and are not subject to the PEL. OSHA recognizes the use of tools equipped with a water delivery system that provides a continuous jet or spray of water at the point of impact, or the use of tools equipped with a commercial shroud and dust collection system as work practice control methods, which safely limit the silica load.

Alternative exposure control methods are available to give contractors more flexibility in their choice of work practices and tools. These methods require some additional control measures to be compliant with the OSHA Silica Standard. For alternative control methods, as explained in the OSHA Silica Standard:

PEL: The employer must ensure that no employee is exposed to an airborne concentration of respirable crystalline silica greater than 50 µg/m3 calculated as the 8-hour TWA.

Exposure Assessment: The employer shall assess the exposure of any worker using respirable crystalline silica at or above the exposure action level under either the performance option in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) or or the planned monitoring option in paragraph (d)(2)(iii ) from Table 1.

Performance Option: The employer must assess the 8-hour TWA exposure for each worker based on any combination of airborne surveillance data or objective data sufficient to accurately characterize worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica.

Table 1 (Click the image to enlarge.)

The regulation goes beyond the PEL. The other must-haves for companies are:

A competent person on site to oversee the silica program.

A written program.

A training program for workers.

Records.

Know your exposure

One way to determine exposure to silica is to monitor the air. To many, this may seem like a complicated, expensive process. It’s actually pretty easy once you understand what it’s all about.

Air monitors measure the air quality in a worker’s breathing zone and determine silica exposure during a specific work practice. This method uses a battery-powered vacuum cleaner that is attached to an operator’s shirt collar and collects air samples directly from where the operator is breathing.

Another way to determine silica exposure is through objective data provided by tool manufacturers. OSHA defines objective data as “information such as B. Air monitoring data from industry-wide surveys or calculations based on the composition of a substance, which determine employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica associated with a specific product or material, or a specific process, task or activity. This data must reflect workplace conditions that closely resemble or have a higher potential for exposure to the processes, material types, control methods, work practices and environmental conditions in the employer’s current operations.” When a manufacturer tests its equipment and the work practices and materials used, the workplace conditions OSHA permits the use of this data as objective data as part of a written silica exposure control plan.

Once you are familiar with exposure levels, you can decide which options are best for controlling silica exposure at your job site or in your shop.

Know your stuff

“Check twice, cut once.” The old adage not only prevents incorrect measurements; It’s also a reminder to double check what material is being cut. For example, natural stones and quartz materials contain high amounts of the natural mineral silica. Exposure varies by stone type and exposure to silica can vary depending on the silica content of a porcelain or ceramic material used.

Controlled tile cutting tests show that emissions of crystalline silica and metals to air are highly dependent on their concentrations in the tile2. If you are unsure whether a product contains crystalline silica, you should check the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Know your options

Regardless of what tool is used – a saw, grinder, or high-speed polisher – it is essential to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety goggles and hearing protection. You should also know exactly what you are getting yourself into in order to implement proper control methods when exposing hazardous materials.

Whether you’re calibrating a piece of tile or blind cutting into a wall, care should be taken to create airborne contaminants that may include silica dust or even asbestos particles. Whether you use hand or power tools, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from unknown airborne contamination. Remember that awareness and education ensure prevention and safety. So if you need a refresher course, take it. Your lungs will thank you.

The Natural Stone Institute’s (NSI) technical module, Silicosis – An Industry Guide to Awareness and Prevention, offers tips for controlling exposure to silica in stone processing. It is available to employees and employers on the NSI website. For additional NSI resources, visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/silica.

No common dust health hazards from crystalline silica dust

Crystalline silica is a mineral that is abundant in the earth’s crust. It is most commonly found in quartz and is a component of concrete, sand, stone, mortar, brick and mortar. You may recall finding a small sachet labeled “Silica” in the packaging of a box to absorb moisture, with a stern warning not to ingest it. During traditional tile and thin tile removal, crystalline silica dust is released into the air.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), crystalline silica is classified as carcinogenic (cancer causing) to human lungs. Prolonged or acute inhalation causes a respiratory condition called silicosis. Silicosis is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in which the crystalline silicic acid gets stuck in the small air sacs of the lungs, the so-called alveoli. The dust causes scar tissue to form and limits the lungs’ ability to properly take up and process oxygen and blocks gas exchange at the cellular level.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “Occupational exposure to crystalline silica occurs frequently in routine workplace activities involving the cutting, sawing, drilling, grinding, blasting, and crushing of concrete, brick, block, rock, and stone products ( B. during construction work) …. These types of exposures can lead to the development of disabling and sometimes fatal lung diseases, including silicosis and lung cancer. Processes historically associated with high rates of silicosis include sandblasting, sand casting foundries, mining, tunneling, cement cutting and demolition, masonry work, and granite cutting.”

Crystalline fumed silica is so hazardous that the National Institute for Occupational Safety (NIOSH) recommends… “Workers avoid bringing fumed silica home from work by:

Change to disposable or washable work clothing on site.

Shower (if possible) and change into clean clothes before leaving the site to avoid contamination of other work areas, cars and homes.

Park your car where it will not be contaminated with silica.”

Hiring a contractor to remove your tile or stone floor means someone will remove the ceramic, porcelain, or stone tile and the thin grout and mortar that binds it to the concrete subfloor. The contractor typically uses a jackhammer or chipping hammer to scrape off the flimsy concrete-based set, a process that creates static electricity and can cause the dust to rise to your ceilings and walls.

All of these normal methods create a pervasive, re-emerging layer of crystalline silica dust in your home environment, exposing your family, elderly parents, infants, children, and pets to the effects of airborne dust contaminants. Once this dust enters your HVAC system, it recirculates and repeats exposure to this hazardous dust. Even if the contractor puts plastic all over your home to cover your vents and air intakes, it doesn’t create an airtight seal. Also, consider what happens when the contractor removes the plastic. All the dust that settled is now being carried into the air. Once airborne, it is inhaled and recirculated over and over again, increasing the time you are exposed to the dust hazard.

Cutting Edge Tile Removal uses patented DustRam® system equipment to remove your tile, stone, grout and grout dust-free! No other contractor in the Houston, TX area is certified to use this advanced system of tile removal tools and the special processes that allow the crystalline fumed silica to be captured at the source in every step of the removal process.

Crystalline fumed silica is dangerous and dangerous

Respirable crystalline silica has been linked to many respiratory diseases. The extremely small dust particles are about 100 times smaller than playground or beach sand. About 2 million construction workers are affected and there are about 900 new cases each year, according to OSHA. Homeowners and their loved ones are among the many people affected by exposure each year. You can easily prevent respiratory diseases like those listed above by hiring a company that specializes in dust-free tile removal. DustRam® is the nation’s leader in dust-free floor removal. For more information, contact our team of experts today!

Tile dust, also known as crystalline silica dust, is an abundant mineral found in the earth’s crust. Tile dust is commonly found in quartz stone and is a basic component of tile, stone, mortar, sand, concrete, mortar (thin set), brick and soil. Fumed silica is used in the manufacture of pottery, glass, concrete, ceramics, brick, engineered stone and more. Silica can also be found in those tiny sachets in the cardboard packaging, labeled “silica” and containing a warning telling you not to pick up the dust. Crystalline silica is an extremely dangerous dust that can harm your health. Dust is created during traditional tile and grout removal and is released into the air that permeates your home. OSHA classifies fumed silica as a human lung carcinogen, meaning it is known to cause cancer. Inhaling silica dust often leads to silicosis, a respiratory disease that can be fatal.

Frequently asked questions: ceramic tiles

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Are ceramic tiles a healthy option for floors?

Ceramic tile is one of the best eco-friendly flooring options out there. In most cases, ceramic floor tiles are waterproof and not very porous, making them easy to deep clean and providing an unlikely surface for mold, mildew and other allergens to grow. Additionally, tile floors are inherently low in toxic materials and often have little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Although they tend to be more expensive than carpet or vinyl flooring, ceramic tile is far more durable and has a very long lifespan. As a result, fewer spare parts are required, which means less material and energy is used in production. Unlike carpet, ceramic tile is a hard surface to fall on, but installing non-slip tiles, which have sand baked into the surface of the tiles during manufacture, helps reduce slips and falls.

It is also important to consider the materials that will be used to lay the tiles. Many adhesives are worse for indoor air quality than the flooring itself. When installing floors, make sure any adhesives you use are low-VOC. The same applies to grout, thin-bed mortar, self-levelling underlays and all other products used for tiling.

What are VOCs?

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are substances containing carbon and varying amounts of other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, sulfur or nitrogen; these substances easily become vapors or gases. A significant number of VOCs are commonly used as solvents (paint thinners, varnish thinners, degreasers and dry cleaning fluids).