Is it bad to mix concrete with bare hands?

Gosh, Never mix the concrete with bare hands, the cement in concrete causes alkaline chemical “concrete burns” that can get deep in your skin and continue to “burn” long after you’ve washed and dried your hands…. People have lost hands that way. Wear protective rubber gloves always please or use a concrete mixer.

Why should gloves be worn when mixing concrete be specific?

Wet concrete can cause chemical burns, 3rd degree burns, cause blindness if gotten in the eyes. Wear gloves no matter how often you use concrete. Now, unless you like what your skin turns to when working with concrete without gloves, go ahead.

Why is it important to protect your hands when working with cement?

Working with wet concrete can create a severe hazard for workers because it can cause very painful skin burns, as wet concrete can eat through skin and inadequate gloves. It is important to keep your hands warm and dry to avoid this type of injury.

What happens if you touch cement?

Prolonged exposure to wet cement can make you susceptible to Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD). ICD will cause the skin to itch, scab, and become red or swollen. Multiple ICD experiences can lead to Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD), a long-term sensitivity to the chemicals in cement.

What is cement poisoning?

Cement poisoning can occur if the wet cement comes in contact with your skin. Dry cement contains calcium oxide, which isn’t normally dangerous, but when it is mixed with water, it changes to calcium hydroxide, which is hazardous. Your skin has a normal pH level of 5.5.

Is it safe to mix concrete indoors?

There is only 1 part water for every 4 parts concrete by weight, so much stirring is required before all the dry concrete will be wet. But it is possible to mix up concrete inside a workshop or studio without creating very much dust and collecting what dust you do create.

What happens if you breathe in concrete dust?

Most concrete and masonry products contain large amounts of sand. When you inhale the dust, silica particles scar your lungs, causing a disabling, irreversible, and incurable lung disease called silicosis.