HELP...WHAT IS GOING ON HERE??

[jen76]

MY HUSBAND WORKS WITH "SHOTCRETE" ALL DAY WHICH IS A FORM OF CONCRETE BEING BLOWN OUT OF A HOSE AND SHOT UP TO FORM THE WALLS OF A SWIMMING POOL, SPA, FOUNTAIN OR PERHAPS A CANAL WALL.  HE DOES THIS ALL DAY LONG 5 DAYS A WEEK.  HE DOES NOT WEAR THE PROPPER CLOTHING OR ATTIRE FOR THE JOB.  HE WEARS MOSTLY SHORT SLEEVE SHIRTS AND JEANS WITH BOOTS AND GLOVES.  HOWEVER, THE CONCRETE SATURATES HIS FORE-ARMS AND DOES NOT GET WASHED OFF UNTIL HE COMES HOME TO TAKE A SHOWER.  THIS IS CAUSING LITTLE ACNE BREAK OUTS AND SOMEWHAT OF CONCRETE BURNS TO HIS ARMS.  HE DOES NOT WEAR A MASK AND THEREFORE BREATHES IN ALL OF THE TOXIC DUST THAT IS BLOWING AROUND FROM THE DRYED CONCRETE.  HE HAS DEVELOPED A CONJESTION LIKE COUGH THAT CAUSES HIM TO COUGH/SPIT UP PHLEM DAILY.  DOES ANY ONE HAVE ANY INSIGHT ON THIS OCCUPATION AND THE RISKS INVOLVED?

[Hityty]

I agree with last posts.
You described my husband to a tee! He was a concrete man for about 20 years. It IS a hassle to put all the protective gear on, but its there for a reason. Tell your husband, that had my husband used a little bit more common sense & protected himself over the years... it would have saved him YEARS of health problems & thousands of dollars in medical bills. Its hard watching your spouse deteriorate over the years, but its so maddening when you know they could have done something about it! You can also mention to him that these materials don't just cause skin reactions, they will affect his brain & mental functions. No job is worth any of that. I'm glad you posted the question!

[myproblem]

He really needs to wear protective gear. Some of the components of cement are caustic (will burn your skin). Continuous chemical burns of this nature put him at risk for skin cancer. Some chemicals may also be absorbed through the skin, causing long term health problems. You can imagine that inhaling the same chemicals can only be worse. He should probably see a Medical Toxicologist. They can check his blood and hair for the toxic effects of his work. Please push him to protect his body.

[misnger]

My uncle did concrete work for years, the lime in concrete is horrible on the skin. He used to have the burns as well.  Try to get him to wear long sleves at least & definately a mask!
Good Luck