What is my risk of Silicosis working in a building that's under construction?

[mwphill]

I’m concerned about exposure to construction dust leading to silicosis. I work in a theater that’s been under construction for a few months. They are installing new stadiums and seats. I know they are drilling/jackhammering concrete, mixing concrete and other general construction tasks like that. I try to be careful to avoid the areas where the construction is heaviest but some times my tasks force me to move through them. I also have to spend some time in an office that is directly beside one of these theaters. I just don’t know what is considered high or low risk exposures? Am I at risk for chronic or acute silicosis? Should I be concerned or would I need much more direct and prolonged exposures than this? They still have another month of work to go and my concerns over this is making it hard to be there.

[ayl291]

Everyone has different biology.  I'd get a protective mask or ask to telecommute until the construction is done due to health concerns.