What hazardous dust is produced when cutting, drilling, or grinding concrete?

The correct answer is silica dust, which is generated when cutting, drilling, or grinding concrete. Silica is a natural mineral found in abundance in materials like sand, gravel, and concrete. When these materials are manipulated through tasks such as cutting or grinding, tiny particles of crystalline silica become airborne, leading to potential inhalation exposure for workers.

Silica dust poses serious health risks, particularly respiratory issues like silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even lung cancer with prolonged exposure. Therefore, understanding the risks associated with silica dust is essential for workplace safety and implementing appropriate control measures, such as wet cutting techniques or respiratory protection.

Regarding the other types of dust: fiberglass dust is primarily associated with insulation materials and poses different health risks. Asbestos dust is linked to older building materials and can cause serious diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma, but it is not relevant to concrete work directly. Lead dust is often a concern in older homes due to lead-based paints but does not originate from concrete. Thus, silica dust is specifically related to the activities involving concrete.