Drywall is a popular building material made of gypsum, a mineral that manufacturers crush and turn into powder before mixing it with water and pressing it between two sheets of paper. You can use it for walls and ceilings in residential homes, commercial buildings, and other structures.
Many employees handle drywall as part of their job. However, consistent handling can expose workers to potential health hazards ranging from physical injuries to respiratory issues. Can working with drywall hurt your health? Here, learn some of the common health risks associated with this field of work.
Drywall and Muscle Strain
Lifting heavy drywall sheets can put a strain on your muscles, especially in the shoulders and back. This strain can lead to sprains or even serious injuries, such as herniated discs, which can be debilitating.
You can treat most muscle strain-related conditions with rest and medication, but workers often don’t take enough time off or go back to the same activities that initially caused the issue. This repeated strain can lead to lasting damage and chronic pain that may not respond to treatment.
Respiratory Issues
Drywall dust can contain particles of silica. Silica is a mineral that’s commonly ground up and used in materials such as drywall, concrete, and bricks. You release tiny silica particles into the air when you cut or sand these materials, which you can inhale into your lungs. Over time, these particles can cause serious respiratory issues such as silicosis and lung cancer.
Silicosis is a lung disease that occurs when you inhale silica particles and they become trapped in your lungs, causing scarring and inflammation. This damage can lead to difficulty breathing, chest pain, and fatigue. It can even be fatal in severe cases.
In addition to silicosis, inhaling drywall dust can also increase your risk of developing lung cancer. According to the American Lung Association, exposure to silica particles is a major risk factor for lung cancer. These tiny particles that enter your lungs can cause damage to cells and tissues over time, increasing the likelihood of abnormal cell growth and tumor development.
Eye Irritation
Drywall dust can also cause irritation to your eyes, leading to redness, itching, and watering. This irritation can be particularly dangerous if you wear contact lenses while working with drywall. The tiny particles can get trapped under your contact lenses and cause further irritation and potential damage to your eyes. Fortunately, this issue is easily preventable by wearing safety glasses at all times on construction sites or other settings where you’re exposed to drywall dust.
Skin Irritation
Exposure to drywall dust can also lead to skin irritations, especially if you have a pre-existing skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis. The particles can cause redness, itching, and even rashes on exposed areas. Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, can reduce the likelihood of skin irritation when working with drywall.
Cuts and Scrapes
Handling sharp tools such as utility knives and cutters while installing drywall can put you at risk for cuts and scrapes. These injuries can range from minor cuts to more serious lacerations that may require stitches.
Working with drywall can hurt your health, but most related injuries and illnesses are entirely preventable. Take your health seriously and avoid risks when working around this common material. By using protective gear and practicing proper handling techniques, you can avoid these issues altogether or at least minimize the severity of them should they occur.
This article was written for WHN by Casey Cartwright, a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries, from highly technical to consumer and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.lung.org/blog/silica-dust-lung-diseases
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003687009001070
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10473220050129437
