There are numerous job tasks and functions throughout the construction industry that are notorious for producing massive amounts of dust. Typically these jobs involve grinding, sawing, drilling, and chiseling. For masons, the danger comes from operating on stone and concrete materials such as brick, asphalt, and mortar that contain concentrated amounts of crystalline silica. When these materials are operated on, silica containing dust is emitted and enters the workers’ breathing zone
The amount of dust that is produced or that accumulates varies depending on the task being performed and the material that the task is being performed on. Notably, concrete cutting and grinding, jackhammering, and tuck pointing are all construction tasks that are completed by masons during demolition, refurbishment, or foundational construction. This article takes a deeper look at each function and explains how dust is formed as well as how airborne dust can be eliminated to prevent masons from developing serious, life-threatening lung illnesses.