NIOSH reports that cutting fiber-cement siding with power saws can generate respirable crystalline silica and cites uncontrolled exposures above the NIOSH REL; inhaled respirable crystalline silica can cause silicosis and other serious disease.
Source: CDC/NIOSH: Engineering Controls Database — Cutting fiber-cement siding with power saws ↗Dust entry
Fiber-cement siding dust
Fine dust generated when fiber-cement siding is cut with power saws.
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 cancer riskchronic obstructive pulmonary diseasekidney disease risk
Evidence
Controls
- wet cutting or dust suppression
- local exhaust ventilation
- tool-integrated controls
- exposure monitoring
- appropriate respiratory protection