Recently, thanks to increased awareness about the dangers of construction dust, many builders have started hosing down sites with water to prevent heavy build-up of dust. The La Porte County Herald-Argus points out five facts about construction dust:

1. Construction dust poses health risks because it often contains harmful substances like asbestos, man-made mineral fibers, cement residue, and wood dust.



2. "Dust from all over the building may well cause more varied and severe allergies than dust generated from natural sources, such as animal hair and plant pollen," says Dr. Manjula Jegasothy, a dermatologist at the Miami Skin Institute. "This is because construction dust is often composed of particles from many different sources present at the building site. Coupled together, they irritate the skin and nasal membranes."



3. Allergy sufferers may develop itchy hives after coming in contact with construction dust. Dr. Jegasothy says that the rash itself is not medically serious, but it can last for weeks or even months.



4. Sometimes hives can develop into anaphylaxis, a serious, multi-system allergic reaction that requires prompt treatment in an emergency room.





5. As with any substance that causes allergies, avoidance is the best prevention method. Stay away from construction dust, or invest in a mask.




• See Allergy & Asthma Mask Buying Guide