NIOSH reports that concrete-grinding workers were exposed to airborne dust containing crystalline silica at 35 to 55 times the NIOSH REL in studies without effective controls, and that LEV shrouds reduced exposure.
Source: CDC/NIOSH: Engineering Controls — Control of Crystalline Silica Dust When Grinding Concrete ↗CDC/NIOSH: Control of Hazardous Dust When Grinding Concrete ↗Dust entry
Concrete-grinding dust
Dust generated when handheld grinders are used to smooth poured concrete surfaces after forms are stripped.
Airborne form
dust
The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.
Health effects
silicosislung cancerkidney diseasereduced lung functionairway disease
Evidence
Controls
- local exhaust ventilation shroud
- HEPA-filtered vacuum
- wet methods
- exposure monitoring
- appropriate respiratory protection