On
any given day, there are numerous ways that we can come in contact with site particles.  Whether through the air or from direct contact, these materials can be very dangerous.  Today I share some of the hazards of portland cement and the caustic nature of this white powder.

When
mixed with water, or when in contact with moisture such as in eyes or on skin,
portland cement becomes highly caustic (pH > 12) and will damage or burn (as
severely as third-degree) the eyes or skin.

AVOID
EYE CONTACT

• Exposure to airborne dust may cause
  immediate or delayed irritation or inflammation of the cornea.
• Eye contact by larger amounts of dry
  powder or splashes of wet portland cement may cause effects ranging from
  moderate eye irritation to chemical burns and blindness.

BASIC
MATERIALS, SUCH AS PORTLAND CEMENT, TEND TO CAUSE WORSE EYE DAMAGE AND ARE
HARDER TO FLUSH OUT OF THE EYE TISSUES THAN ACIDIC MATERIALS.

METHODS
OF PROTECTION

• When engaged in activities where portland
  cement dust or wet portland cement or concrete could cement products could
  contact the eye, wear goggles or safety glasses with side-shields.
• In extremely dusty environments and
  unpredictable environments, wear unvented or indirectly vented goggles to avoid
  eye irritation or injury.
• Contact lenses should not be worn when
  working with portland cement or wet portland cement products.

FIRST
AID

Seek medical attention immediately and flush eye thoroughly with water.
Continue flushing eye for at least 15 minutes, including under lid, to remove
all particles.