Is Concrete Toxic? (Safety Basics)

Is Concrete Toxic? Understanding Safety Risks

Concrete safety depends on its state. Wet concrete is caustic and can cause chemical burns. Cured concrete is safe to touch. Concrete dust contains silica, which is dangerous if inhaled. Understanding these risks helps you work safely with concrete.

Wet Concrete: Caustic and Dangerous

Wet concrete is highly caustic and can cause serious chemical burns.

The pH Problem

Wet concrete has a pH of 12-13, which is:

• Highly alkaline: Extremely basic (opposite of acid)
• Corrosive: Can burn skin and tissue
• Dangerous on contact: Causes chemical burns

How Chemical Burns Occur

Chemical burns from wet concrete:

• Alkali attack: High pH dissolves skin and tissue
• Deep penetration: Can burn deep into tissue
• Painful: Causes severe pain and damage
• Slow to heal: Chemical burns heal slower than thermal burns

Protection When Working with Wet Concrete

Always protect yourself when handling wet concrete:

• Wear gloves: Waterproof gloves (rubber or nitrile)
• Wear boots: Waterproof boots (not leather)
• Protect skin: Long sleeves and pants
• Wear eye protection: Safety glasses or goggles

If Concrete Gets on Skin

If wet concrete contacts your skin:

1. Rinse immediately: Flush with copious amounts of water
2. Remove contaminated clothing: Get concrete off your body
3. Continue rinsing: Rinse for 15-20 minutes minimum
4. Seek medical attention: Chemical burns need professional treatment

Don't wait: The longer concrete stays on skin, the worse the burn.

Cured Concrete: Safe to Touch

Once concrete is fully cured, it's safe to touch and handle normally.

Why Cured Concrete is Safe

• Chemical reaction complete: Hydration reaction is finished
• pH neutralizes: Alkaline compounds have reacted
• No caustic properties: Safe to touch without protection

When Concrete is Cured

Concrete is considered fully cured after:

• 28 days: Full chemical cure
• 7 days: Safe for normal handling
• Chemical reaction complete: All hydration finished

Concrete Dust: Silica Hazard

Concrete dust contains silica, which is dangerous if inhaled.

What is Silica?

Silica (silicon dioxide) is:

• Natural mineral: Found in sand, stone, and concrete
• Creates dust: Released when concrete is cut, ground, or drilled
• Invisible particles: Very fine dust that stays airborne

Health Risks of Silica Dust

Inhaling silica dust can cause:

• Silicosis: Lung disease from silica exposure
• Lung cancer: Increased cancer risk
• Chronic bronchitis: Lung inflammation
• Kidney disease: Can affect other organs

When Silica is Released

Silica dust is created during:

• Cutting: Sawing concrete
• Grinding: Smoothing or polishing
• Drilling: Creating holes
• Demolition: Breaking up concrete
• Dry sweeping: Sweeping dry concrete dust

Protection from Silica Dust

When creating dust, always protect yourself:

• Respirator: N95 or better, rated for silica
• Not just a dust mask: Regular dust masks aren't sufficient
• Wet methods: Use water to control dust when possible
• Ventilation: Work in well-ventilated areas
• Avoid dry sweeping: Use wet methods or HEPA vacuums

Safety Guidelines

When Working with Wet Concrete

• Always wear waterproof gloves and boots
• Protect all skin from contact
• Wear eye protection
• Rinse immediately if contact occurs
• Seek medical attention for burns

When Working with Cured Concrete

• Safe to touch normally
• No special protection needed for handling
• Normal hygiene practices sufficient

When Creating Dust

• Always wear proper respirator (N95+ for silica)
• Use wet methods to control dust
• Work in well-ventilated areas
• Don't dry sweep—use wet methods
• Follow OSHA regulations for silica exposure

The Bottom Line

Wet concrete is caustic (pH 12-13) and can cause serious chemical burns. Always wear waterproof gloves, boots, and protection when handling wet concrete. Cured concrete is safe to touch—once fully cured (28 days), it's completely safe. Concrete dust contains silica, which is dangerous if inhaled and can cause lung diseases. Always wear proper respiratory protection (N95+ rated for silica) when cutting, grinding, or drilling concrete, and use wet methods to control dust.

Understanding these risks and taking proper precautions ensures safe work with concrete. Don't take shortcuts with safety—chemical burns and silica exposure can cause permanent damage.

Need help with concrete safety? Contact Local Concrete Contractor. We follow all safety protocols and can help ensure your concrete work is done safely.