The OSHA silica standard for drywall restricts permissible exposure limits (PELs) to 50 micrograms per cubic feet of air over an 8-hour shift.
Controls. A recent NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) found that drywall sanders were exposed to as much as 10 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 15 mg/m3 for total dust set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Over time, breathing the dust from drywall sanding/dust may cause persistent throat and airway irritation, coughing, phlegm production, and breathing difficulties similar to asthma. Smokers or workers with sinus or respiratory conditions may risk even worse health problems.
The new silica dust safety regulations reduce the permissible exposure limit to 50 µg/m3, or lower, on a weighted average over an 8-hour period. To reduce the permissible exposure limit, OSHA's regulation states that silica dust collection vacuums must contain a filter with 99.00% efficiency or greater.
Drywall joint compound can contain harmful ingredients, including formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, both known carcinogens, and crystalline silica, which is a carcinogen when inhaled.
Given the factors mentioned above, determining an exact settling time for construction dust can be challenging. However, as a general guideline, most construction dust begins to settle within 48 to 72 hours after work has ceased.
Gypsum can irritate mucus membranes and the respiratory system. Talc or talcum powder can irritate the respiratory system, damage the lungs, and can contribute to the development of cancer. Exposure to powdered mica can lead to fibrosis of the lungs and long-term respiratory difficulties.
To help drywall dust move outside, house cleaning professional Raymond Chiu recommends that you “open the windows to allow for ventilation.” Place box fans in the windows so they blow the air out of the room, and tape plastic sheeting around the fans and window frames to seal off the area.
The PEL for silica is 50 micrograms of silica per cubic meter of air averaged over an 8-hour work shift. If the silica dust is above this limit, your employer must lower the amount of dust in the air.
Although classifying drywall dust as toxic is inaccurate, it poses potential health risks to those exposed. The primary health risk of drywall dust is respiratory irritation, which can also cause skin and eye irritation.
Yes, air purifiers play a big role in cutting down on construction dust and debris while projects are taking place in the surrounding area. This helps prevent harmful construction dust particles from making their way into HVAC systems and other areas of the building.
Drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water, aids in the thinned mucus in your lungs. This allows your body to evacuate the mucus and any trapped dust particles, allowing for cleaner breathing. Hydration also promotes general immune system function, which is vital in preventing diseases caused by dust inhalation.
To avoid problems, begin cleaning the dust when it's dry before proceeding to damp methods and always keep a dust mask on: Lightly brush the dust off the walls with a soft broom or hand brush. Move slowly from top to bottom. Sweep the dust from the floor before the next step.
What you should know. Regularly breathing construction dust can cause diseases like lung cancer, asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and silicosis. Construction workers have a high risk of developing these diseases because many common construction tasks can create high dust levels.
Symptoms may include skin rashes, eye irritation, runny nose, sneezing, and even respiratory issues. This is often caused by an allergic reaction to substances in the drywall, such as dust, mold, or gypsum.
There's no cure for silicosis because the lung damage can't be reversed. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition may continue to get worse, leading to further lung damage and serious disability, although this may happen very slowly over many years.
Among granite workers in the U.S. the rate of death from silicosis doubled at a cumulative exposure of less than 1 mg/m3. A recent study of pottery workers found high rates of silicosis, up to 20%, among workers with an average exposure of 0.2 mg/m3 over many years.
Chronic silicosis: Usually occurs after 10 or more years of exposure to crystalline silica at low levels. This is the most common type of silicosis. 2. Accelerated silicosis: Results from exposure to higher levels of crystalline silica and occurs 5 to 10 years after exposure.
If you have worked with drywall in the past, you will know that drywall dust is an occupational hazard you face every day. Inhaling drywall dust will lead to respiratory issues such as irritation and inflammation in the lungs, coughing fits, and much worse.
There are different types of primers available, including stain-blocking, high-hide, and adhesion-promoting primers. Select the one that addresses any specific issues you may have, such as stains or uneven surfaces. So, do you need to clean drywall dust before priming? The short answer is yes, you should.
Barriers and Fans (Negative Pressure)
Barriers made of sheet plastic available at any hardware store prevent drywall dust from traveling past a sequestered area. Set up a box fan, with the air flowing outside, to expel some drywall dust.
Exposure to silica dust can lead to the development of lung cancer, silicosis (an irreversible scarring and stiffening of the lungs), kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is estimated that 230 people develop lung cancer each year as a result of past exposure to silica dust at work.
Traditional Shop-Vacs have long been the go-to, but are they really the best vacuum for the job? The short answer is no.
Whether you're sanding drywall, wood or metal surfaces, reach for the 3M™ Performance Particulate Respirator 8210 for Paint Prep. This N95 respirator features Advanced Electrostatic Media that enhances the capture of airborne particles while allowing for easy breathing.