Dangers of “Dust”
When working in demolition, construction, or refurbishment, people often focus on asbestos-related risks. However, there are other materials and particles that can be equally dangerous if not managed properly. Mould, silica dust, and volcanic rock like erionite pose serious health risks, especially for workers without proper protection. Let’s explore why these materials are harmful and why dust management controls and respiratory protection are essential in a wider range of applications.
Mould: Fungus Among Us
Mould grows in damp or poorly ventilated areas, which are common in old buildings or sites that have suffered water damage, making it a common issue in New Zealand, where rainfall can be frequent. In construction or demolition, disturbing mould releases tiny spores into the air. When inhaled, these spores can trigger respiratory issues, even for people without existing allergies or asthma.
Health Risks of Mould Exposure:
Respiratory Irritation: Mould spores can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, leading to coughing, sneezing, and wheezing.
Allergic Reactions: Some individuals develop allergic reactions, which can make breathing difficult.
Infections: In rare cases, people with weakened immune systems may get lung infections.
Dust Management and Protection Tips:
Ventilation: Increase air flow to reduce mould build-up in damp areas.
Moisture Control: Fix leaks and use dehumidifiers to control moisture levels.
Respiratory Masks: Wearing masks with filters (such as N95 respirators) helps prevent inhaling mould spores.
Silica Dust: Wet is Best
Silica is a natural mineral found in materials like sand, stone, concrete, and bricks. When these materials are cut, ground, or drilled, fine silica dust is released. Breathing in silica dust can lead to a lung disease called silicosis, which can be deadly over time. Silica dust exposure is especially risky in jobs that require cutting, grinding, or demolition of these materials. In New Zealand, many construction sites involve working with these materials due to ongoing urban development and infrastructure projects, and the high ratio of construction and demolition activities further increases the risk of exposure.
Health Risks of Silica Exposure:
Silicosis: This is an incurable lung disease caused by the buildup of silica dust in the lungs. It makes breathing difficult and can be fatal.
Lung Cancer: Long-term exposure to silica dust increases the risk of lung cancer.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Silica dust can lead to COPD, a disease that restricts airflow and causes breathing problems.
Dust Management and Protection Tips:
Wet Cutting: Use water to keep dust levels down during cutting or grinding.
Dust Collection Systems: Equip tools with dust collection systems to capture dust at the source.
Respirators: Use respirators approved for silica dust to prevent inhalation of particles.
Volcanic Rock (Erionite): Erupting Risks
Erionite is a type of volcanic rock fibre that resembles asbestos and is found in certain types of gravel or volcanic ash, particularly in certain regions of New Zealand, such as Auckland which has 53 volcanic zones. When crushed or disturbed, erionite fibres can be released into the air, where they become a hazard similar to asbestos. Long-term exposure to erionite is linked to serious lung diseases, and it has been classified as a cancer-causing agent.
Health Risks of Erionite Exposure:
Mesothelioma: Like asbestos, erionite exposure can lead to mesothelioma, a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs.
Lung Fibrosis: Continuous exposure can cause lung fibrosis, where lung tissue becomes scarred, making breathing difficult.
Dust Management and Protection Tips:
Site Testing: In areas with volcanic rock, testing for erionite should be carried out before work begins.
Avoid Disturbance: Reduce activities that may disturb erionite-containing rocks.
Use of Respiratory Protection: Workers should use high-quality respirators to filter out erionite fibres.
Dust Management & Respiratory Protection
While asbestos is well-known as a dangerous material, other airborne particles like mould spores, silica dust, and erionite fibres also pose significant health risks. Proper dust management controls and respiratory protection are crucial in demolition and construction for keeping workers safe. Here are a few essential practices:
Routine Risk Assessments: Evaluate all materials and sites for possible risks, especially before any demolition or refurbishment project.
Control Dust Levels: Use wet methods, dust collection systems, and enclosures to control dust spread.
Educate Workers: Training workers on health risks and the importance of wearing protective gear can reduce their exposure to hazardous materials.
Regular Monitoring and Medical Checks: Routine health check-ups help in early detection of potential respiratory issues among workers exposed to these substances.
Protecting workers from airborne hazards requires a commitment to proper safety protocols. Understanding these risks and investing in quality respiratory protection can make a significant difference, preventing serious illnesses and ensuring a safer work environment.
