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Can Occupational Dust Inhalation For A Short Period Of Time Affect Health?

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Posted on Sat, 30 Mar 2019
Question: Hey doctor,

Recently a couple of days ago I did some work at a construction site taking photos. I am never usually in that environment but was there for a day for about 4 hours. My question is would short-term exposure to the dust in that environment be dangerous and deadly? I was pretty worried being there and I didn't wear any protective facemask or anything but there wasn't any construction going on that day. Should it be something I should be concerned about and will I get symptoms from it I actually had a cold on the day that I was there as well and I have attached some pictures of the site to see the type of construction dust there but the only things workers had to wear were the hard hats and safety boots.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No!

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

There is minimal dust in that environment to cause harm. Also, workers without protective masks really tell you that there is no perceived danger in breathing the air. There is no reason to get worried and there is nothing bad that would happen to you.

I hope this addresses your worry fully. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.

Regards,
Dr. Ivo Ditah, Internal Medicine Specialist


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (7 minutes later)
Thanks for that doc definitely makes me feel a bit better, usually, the dust would mainly be a problem if they were actually doing work like cutting the cement etc right? The building was all opened up as well and there was a lot of fresh air coming through it too. But just in case if I did breathe something bad in when would I have symptoms and what exactly would I be watching out for?

There weren't actually any workers around that day, I was only just reading from what the safety sign said about boots and the hard hat which is what i wore as well.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You are fine!

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

If people were to fall sick, the workers would for they spend significantly more time there raising dust than you do. I understand some of these disturbing thoughts really find it hard to leave our minds but I encourage you to be reassured that all is well. Nothing is really anticipated form visiting that site.

Hope I have answered your query.

I wish you well.

Regards,
Dr. Ivo Ditah, Internal Medicine Specialist
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

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Can Occupational Dust Inhalation For A Short Period Of Time Affect Health?

Brief Answer: No! Detailed Answer: Hi, There is minimal dust in that environment to cause harm. Also, workers without protective masks really tell you that there is no perceived danger in breathing the air. There is no reason to get worried and there is nothing bad that would happen to you. I hope this addresses your worry fully. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be. Regards, Dr. Ivo Ditah, Internal Medicine Specialist