Posted by Charley,
You need to protect yourself when working with fresh, wet concrete mix because there is always the potential for concrete burns.Cement is alkaline and, therefore, caustic, which results in exposure to strong acids unless you properly protect your skin and eyes. These types of burns cause progressive redness, swelling and pain. Thereafter, this typically results in green and black dead skin with resultant permanent scarring.Exposure to alkali, such as found in cement, could cause serious eye injuries. Always wear the appropriate eye protection especially as the concrete is being mixed, pumped and placed. Splattering is common and you take needless risk if you fail to understand and take precaution against the hazards of working with wet concrete.
Steffanie
April 11, 2010 at 1:21 am
Most home accidents happen because we let our guard down. Just because you may be mixing only a small amount of concrete don’t assume that you can avoid sound safety precautions. Always wear appropriate eye wear and waterproof gloves when handling any amount of concrete. Even if it’s hot, put on a long sleeve shirt and full length pants.
Mohammad
April 11, 2010 at 10:21 am
Timing is critical when you get exposed to an alkaline substance burn. Once it penetrates the skin it can progressively kill your tissue. If fresh concrete comes into contact with your skin you should immediately flush the area with water.
Jann
April 12, 2010 at 4:20 pm
Common household vinegar can help to minimize concrete burns. Clean the exposed area with water and then apply the vinegar. In case your eyes get exposed, be sure to flush them with lots of clean water (not vinegar) for no less than 15 minutes and get medical assistance as fast as possible.
Kaila
April 14, 2010 at 12:20 am
Coming into contact with wet, unhardened concrete, mortar, cement or cement mixtures can cause serious skin irritation. Even severe chemical burns can result even up to a third degree category. Too much exposure may be associated with irritant or allergic contact dermatitis.
Lovella
April 22, 2010 at 4:19 am
Dry cement is partially composed of calcium oxide. As water is added while making concrete calcium hydroxide is created and it becomes quite alkaline with a pH level of about 12. Since your average skin pH is only 5.5 the cement now becomes caustic and causes concrete burns.
Javier
April 22, 2010 at 3:19 pm
It appears that cement burns are not a major problem during the mixing and placement of concrete. However, there is considerable concern for those workers who are involved with the finishing process or with activity associated with cleaning out the concrete mixers.
Tamica
April 23, 2010 at 12:18 pm
It’s pretty easy to get an alkaline burn from mixing concrete. Depending on the severity you may see a small green ring caused by the alkali. Immediately put the area that has been burned in cool water. Spread some vegetable oil on the wound and wrap it carefully. Get to the emergency hospital as soon as possible.
Paige
April 24, 2010 at 8:18 am
Portland cement is a common and generic type of building material used to make concrete. When it is wet it can cause inflammation of the skin sometimes called dermatitis. Symptoms include itching, redness, blisters and scaling. Severe cases are considered to be concrete burns and they should be treated promptly by first rinsing the exposed area thoroughly.
Hertha
June 15, 2010 at 9:09 pm
My son was helping a neighbor mix and pour concrete in his back patio and accidently some of the mix got all over his arm. Being young and believing nothing would happen he just wiped it off with a rag. That night the pain got pretty severe and we took him to ER for treatment. This stuff can really burn you.
Geraldo
June 29, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Steel rebar and the mesh need to be at least two inches from the edge. If moisture gets to the steel, it will rust and cause spallling or cracking. Also, don’t get any of the concrete on your skin.