Can Concrete Give You Cancer? The Risks of Working with Wet Concrete

Working with wet concrete can be a dangerous job, as it can cause serious and even life-threatening illnesses such as silicosis, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and lung cancer. This is because concrete usually contains silica, which can be hazardous when inhaled. The increased risk of lip cancer among concrete workers could be due to carcinogenic components of cement or concrete dust, but there are other possible causes. Working outdoors is associated with an increased risk of lip cancer, as many concrete workers mainly perform outdoor work and are therefore exposed to sunlight.

Additionally, a low socioeconomic status and smoking habits may also contribute to the increased risk of lip cancer among concrete workers. The main culprit behind the health risks associated with concrete is silica dust, which hangs in the air on construction sites. Without adequate protection, it can cause silicosis, which is associated with chronic wheezing, arthritis, cancer and a reduced life expectancy. It is also corrosive to the eyes and skin and can cause skin sensitization (dermatitis).Wet concrete that comes in contact with the skin for a short period of time and is then thoroughly washed causes little irritation. However, continuous contact between skin and wet concrete allows alkaline compounds to penetrate and burn the skin.

This allergy usually lasts a lifetime and prevents any future work with wet concrete or cement powder. The increased risk of lung cancer among specific workers compared to the incidence in the general population can be explained by the difference in smoking habits. Smoking was more common among concrete workers than in the general population in 1981 (50% vs 35%). It is also possible that changes in eating habits may explain why older concrete workers had a higher risk of stomach cancer. Once the new floors were installed in homes made from concrete, children experienced a 78% drop in parasite infection rates, while anemia plummeted by 80%, diarrhea halved, and test results improved dramatically. Unfortunately, working with wet concrete can be hazardous to your health. It is important for construction workers to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves from the dangers of inhaling silica dust.