Is Plaster Dust Dangerous? | Exploring the Dangers Of Dust

Is plaster dust dangerous?

Although often overlooked, the health and safety of your workers can be seriously jeopardised by dust inhalation. 

In this blog, we’re explaining the hazards of plaster dust, its impact on the health of your employees, and what you as an employer can do about it:

What is Plaster Dust?

Plaster dust consists of particles which are released into the air when preparing plaster for use (mixing it from a dry state to a wet state), as well as during the process of sanding down plaster-containing materials. 

These airborne particles are commonly made up of calcium sulphate hemihydrate, limestone and clays, small amounts of silica and mica, and occasionally hydrated lime.

Why is Plaster Dust Dangerous?

With the potential to irritate your employees’ respiratory systems, plaster dust is dangerous for a variety of reasons. 

In some cases, its inhalation can lead to the development of asthma. Whilst the long-term effects on workers’ health of regularly inhaling plaster dust during the mixing process is currently unclear, these are likely to at least include an increased risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). 

Prolonged exposure to plaster dust as the result of sanding has also been shown to increase the risk of developing serious health conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, the latter of which is irreversible. 

How to Mitigate the Risks

Prioritising workplace safety is going to be your first frontier as an employer to mitigate the hazard to health posed by exposure to plaster dust. 

By adopting proactive safety practices and investing in quality dust control solutions, you can create a safer and healthier environment for your workers.

Here at Dustcontrol, our 5 decades of collective experience in developing highly efficient dust extraction solutions mean we are trusted by a varied customer base, including clients from a wide range of industries. 

We offer both mobile dust extractors and stationary vacuum systems, either of which will capture airborne contaminants such as plaster dust at the source before they have the opportunity to disperse and threaten your employees’ respiratory systems. 

Protect your most valuable asset – your workforce – and take action today by getting in touch.

As an employer, you might also benefit from reading our recent blog on supporting your employees lung health by recognising the 4 signs of lung problems.

Disclaimer

The content in this post is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not, and should not be taken as, a substitute for professional medical advice from a qualified general practitioner. 

Sources

Sanding Taped and Covered Plasterboard Joints, Health and Safety Executive UK

Plasterer Fact Sheet, Breathe Freely Australia