Construction sites are very common these days; buildings and infrastructures are being built or renovated each day. While these construction projects are crucial for the constant development and growth of the community, they often pose some health risks.
Construction generates a lot of dust and can pose serious health risks. Thankfully, due to the increased awareness, many builders now hose down sites with water, preventing the buildup of construction dust.
In this article, I will discuss about construction dust, whether or not it can cause allergies, how harmful it can be, and how long it takes to settle. I will also answer other questions related to the topic at hand. Let’s get started, shall we?
Can construction dust cause allergies?
The simple answer is yes. Construction dust consists of various particles, dirt, cement, debris, wood dust, and other harmful materials. These particles mix together and are released into the air when construction activities are carried out. When these particles are inhaled, they cause allergies for most individuals. Common allergic reactions include sneezing, stuffy or running nose, itchy eyes, watery eyes, and skin rashes.
How bad is construction dust?
How bad inhaling construction dust can be to you borders on certain factors. This includes the quantity of dust inhaled, the duration of exposure, and the susceptibility of the individual who inhales the construction dust.
Short-term or small-quantity inhalation can cause immediate discomfort and irritation of the eye, nose, and skin. Prolonged inhalation or high dust level inhalation can be more severe for health. It can cause chronic respiratory problems, such as bronchitis and asthma.
Additionally, they can also affect the cardiovascular system. Constant exposure to construction dust can also lead to an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, and other cardiovascular system-related problems.
How long does construction dust take to settle?
Construction dust in an outdoor environment can take as much as a whole day, perhaps even more, for the dust to settle. In an enclosed space or indoor setting, construction dust will take longer to settle. Even when the dust settles, it becomes airborne again if disturbed by foot traffic or movement.
How do you treat construction dust allergies?
Construction dust can immediately make an individual uncomfortable. Your eyes, nose, and skin become itchy, which can lead to an array of health problems. While avoidance is the best preventive measure, what does one do when exposed? How do you treat construction dust allergies?
If you think you may have been exposed to construction dust or have allergies to any of the components of construction dust, see an allergist immediately. He/she will ask you detailed questions to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms. The allergist may also need to conduct a test to determine possible triggers. After the dust allergy is identified, treatment will be administered.
Common treatments include the following;
- Tablet immunotherapy and creams (decongestants and antihistamines) to help with skin irritation and itching
- Allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) to help boost your tolerance
- Corticosteroid sprays for nose inflammation
The allergist should be able to determine which treatment is best for you and how much or often the treatment ought to be administered.
FAQs
How do you prevent construction dust allergies?
The best advice is to avoid construction sites in general. If it is a case that is difficult to avoid, try investing in a mask.
What are the symptoms of construction dust allergies?
Common symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, itchy nose, watery eyes, etc.
Can construction dust allergies be cured?
There is actually no known cure for dust allergy. However, you can definitely find treatment to help manage the symptoms.
How long does it take for construction dust allergy symptoms to go away?
In normal cases, it takes a few hours till symptoms clear. However, in cases of prolonged exposure or the individual having severe allergies, symptoms may last a couple of days.
Conclusion – Can Construction Dust Cause Allergies?
Construction dust is actually a nuisance, and it poses a serious health hazard that can cause allergies, respiratory problems, and life-threatening diseases. Avoidance is usually the best preventive method. Stay away from construction sites, or consider investing in a mask.
If you inhale construction dust and you are experiencing any of the symptoms, it is best to see an allergist. He/she should be able to determine the cause and the best treatment to be used.
I hope you found this article helpful. You should also see this article on concrete poisoning, the causes, symptoms, and what to do if exposed.
Thanks for reading.