Dust Hangovers

Sometimes heavy dust exposure makes me congested for a day or two.

On cement floors?

Yes.

Lol. I don’t think it’s Hanna. I’m in Chicago. We also have two cats.

I've felt congested and as if my breathing ability is compromised if I work with anything dusty, or with similar particles. It happened when I started pulling up old carpeting with a pad so deteriorated that it was just dust. But it also happens if I don't wear a  mask when sainding, especially old paint.

Even when I wore a mask, I still became congested. I now use an air purifier when I pull out the carpeting. What I'd really like is an air scrubber like the commercial services use, but I probably couldn't afford one.

www.usairpurifiers.com/air-purifiers-use-commercial.html

I segued from just a mask to a full on respirator, but I found it hard to breathe with that much closure around my nose. 


It could have been from the cement dust. A few years back I was reading a gardening magazine while waiting for an appointment at the VA. The woman next to me initiated a conversation when she saw I was reading about the technique for creating stepping stones, using cement and other ingredients. She told me that a neighbor of hers had made these stones for some time and developed respiratory problems.


As I understand, hydraulic cement has to be blended, and I woud think that's when unhealthy dust could become airborne.   I'd check the container and see what the cautions are.   If you didn't wear any kind of mask, I'm guessing you probably inhaled something that wasn't good for you.

"Hydraulic Cement Health and Safety Precautions 

Hydraulic cement must be handled very carefully and you must wear necessary PPE before applying. We encourage you to:

•Avoid breathing the dust.  (my emphasis)

•Avoid any contact with eyes or skin.

•Silica inhaling may cause lung problems, although there is no real evidence silica is a carcinogen.     (my emphasis)

•The use of protective clothing: gloves or mask is recommended." 

www.thebalancesmb.com/what-is-hydraulic-cement-uses-and-how-to-apply-845076\


You might try inhaling the vapors from heated water with a big of crumpled sage, or a lemon cough drop.  It'll help clear out your nose.    Another option is to go to a hospital which treats industrial injuries or symptoms.   My father told me that his employer used a particular hospital when someone was injured at the tool and die shop where he worked.

Or research and see if you can find a doctor who treats environmental or industrial injuries.  

Absolutely. Combine it with the dust and I can see why you felt hungover.

Boy after taking an extensive safety course in Silica dust I won't touch anything silica related without a properly fitted mask or respirator. it's worth the hassle.
Mold can do it to, even in concrete.
Silica is wicked stuff, and its effects have been ignored for decades.