Concrete grinders are used for many different concrete applications. These machines are mainly used on construction sites and come in different varieties depending on the job at hand. One type of concrete grinder is the floor grinder, which is used to level, smooth or clean concrete surfaces and generally take off no more than and 1/8″ of surface material. Yet another type of concrete grinder is one that is hand held for working with counter tops. When using these machines, it is important to have a good system of dust removal or extraction. This is because the grinding of the concrete emits a lot of dust into the air, which can be dangerous to those using the grinder or for anyone in the area.
Dust created from using a concrete grinder can be a serious health hazard. Many contractors who must use these tools or who must be involved in concrete saw cutting methods, face developing the disease called silicosis. This is a disease of the lungs caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust. Contractors and construction workers may be subjected to this type of dust in many different situations. Sever exposure to crystalline silica dust can happen during abrasive sand blasting procedures to remove rust and paint from buildings and bridges. Exposure can also happen while boring through rock to drill a well or using power saws and grinders to cut through concrete.
Because one of the largest causes of silicosis is exposure to concrete dust by using concrete grinders, the disease has been nicknamed grinder’s disease. A large number of individuals who use tools, such as the concrete grinder, are exposed to crystalline silica dust on a regular basis. While research is being done to find ways to stop the effects of silica dust, beyond using face masks and dust extractors, at this time there is no solution and no cure.
Without concrete grinders and other concrete cutting construction tools, many much needed applications could not be done. These tools are essential to smoothing, leveling and cleaning concrete, granite and marble. However, the use of such tools can cause potential dangers to the human body because of the dust that is produced. This dust is responsible for the disease silicosis, which affects the lungs and can be fatal.
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