What is Portland Cement, and why is it a health hazard?

Question

I've been tiling the hearth in my basement, and have seen it as an ingredient in the floor patch and the thin set, along with warnings. I'm curious as to what it is.

Answer 1

Anything with fine dust can irritate the lungs and even cause emphysema. Therefore anything with fine dust is a health hazard.

Answer 2

Follow this link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland_ce...

Lots of other information available on any decent search engine (Yahoo / Google) simply by entering “Portland Cement”.

Answer 3

portland cement is the main ingredient in concrete...in its raw form it is a fine gray powder...you should have no problems in a mixed state and as long as you are not doing any grinding...wear a mask when mixing...

Answer 4

  As stated above it s an irratant and over longer period of time/ exposure is were you get the most harm.. Take simple precautions ( mask/ mix outdoors).. Once in a  mixed state and then applied and dried you ll be fine.. Been working w/ it for 20 years and still going.. I always use a mask and precations.. GL  

Answer 5

Portland cement is made from lime which is a desiccant which can dry out mucus membranes (your nose, mouth, throat or lungs) so it is not good to breath. Lime was also used to make dead bodies dry out and not stink in the olden times, so if you get it on your hands they may become dry but as long as you don't keep it on your skin you will be fine. Use heavy gloves and wear a respirator to protect yourself.