Demolition Dust Control: Solutions & Common Hazards

Dust is more than just a tolerated byproduct on the demolition job site. If it's not properly controlled, it could result in dire health consequences for workers and anyone else nearby.

While human health is the most important reason why proper dust control is so essential in construction and demolition, it's hardly the only benefit demolition contractors can realize. Other benefits of dust suppression include eliminating any odors that may stem from activities, reducing site maintenance and improving overall site cleanliness, being a good neighbor to any properties in the vicinity of the site, and meeting various standards and regulations.

In this post, we'll take a closer look at the importance of on-site dust control and why it's an important part of a demolition safety plan, the health consequences that could stem from poor dust control, and demolition dust control equipment. Read on to learn more:

Why Do Demolition Sites Need Dust Control?

The importance of dust control in construction and demolition dates back to the 1700s when many stonecutters who did not take any precautions would fall ill after years of work. More research into these incidents helped better understand the relationship between human health and the types of dust that are common in the industry.

Excessive dust on job sites doesn't just have the potential to be hazardous to workers, but to the groundwater, surrounding wildlife, and the local community.

While it's important to prevent dust from moving through the air and landscape for various reasons, its presence can have the most dire impact on worker health. Here's a look at some of the potential health effects associated with exposure:

Respiratory Irritation

Respiratory irritation is defined as the inhalation of any substance that may cause a reaction to the body's respiratory system. The inhalation of lead dust, silica dust, and more may all lead to respiratory irritation on the demolition site if proper dust control measures are not in place. More severe cases of respiratory irritation may include:

• Histoplasmosis: Histoplasma is a fungus that lives in certain environments that, when inhaled, can result in severe symptoms of pneumonia. Commonly found in soil, this fungus can be released into the air when land is disturbed, which often happens during demolition. Symptoms tend to come on quickly, usually within a few weeks of inhaling the fungus.

• Silicosis: Silicosis is one of the oldest known diseases associated with dust exposure, specifically exposure to crystalline silica derived from stone, rock, sand, and clay, and often found in airborne dust. A long-term disease often resulting from crystalline silica dust inhalation over many years, symptoms of silicosis may include shortness of breath, chest pains, a nagging dry cough, and fatigue. It tends to develop gradually, usually 10 to 20 years following exposure. There's no treatment for silicosis, just ways to manage the disease.