Protect Yourself from Cement Burns and Poisoning: Learn the Risks Today!
Written by Staff Writer
Ever had concrete slip into your boot and ignored it? Just mud, right? Hours later, your skin feels tight, then sore, then raw. When did that start?
A lot of people search for concrete poisoning and burns because the symptoms can feel confusing at first. Here’s the quick truth.
In most cases, it’s one of these:
- Chemical burns
- Skin irritation that slowly gets worse
- Eye injuries
- Breathing irritation from dust
- Allergic reactions to ingredients in cement
Ever notice how symptoms don’t show up right away?
What Concrete Poisoning Usually Means
On real jobsites, the phrase gets used as a catch-all for a few different problems.
- Cement burns (chemical burns) from wet concrete sitting on skin
- Irritant contact dermatitis that starts as dryness, then turns into redness, cracking and pain
- Allergic contact dermatitis in some workers, linked to hexavalent chromium in cement
What Makes Wet Cement So Alkaline?
Cement is reactive, and it contains calcium oxide. When water hits it, a chemical change begins. Calcium oxide turns into calcium hydroxide. That reaction pushes the pH way up.
High pH means high alkalinity, and high alkalinity can burn skin. The tricky part?
It doesn’t always hurt right away. You might just feel damp. Maybe a little warmth. Hours later, the damage shows up. That’s why wet concrete should be treated like a chemical hazard. If it stays on your skin, it keeps reacting.
Why Wet Cement Is Risky Even When You’re Wearing Protective Gear
Wet cement does two things that make it dangerous:
- It reacts with water and becomes strongly alkaline, which can cause deep burns
- It hides in the exact places you don’t check mid-task
Think about where it sits and stays:
- Inside boots at the ankle line
- Under the gloves at the cuff
- Behind knee pads
- In soaked jeans after kneeling to finish an edge
If your personal protective equipment (PPE) isn’t the right type, fit or condition, it can actually trap wet cement against your skin. That’s why training that covers selection and use matters, not just “wear gloves.” You can build those basics with the OSHA Education Center Personal Protective Equipment course.
The Quick, ‘Don’t Wait’ Rule
Do these steps right away:
- Stop the contact and remove contaminated gear and clothing.
- Rinse exposed skin with plenty of clean water.
- If you have burning, blistering, eye exposure or worsening pain, get medical help the same day.
This is also where prevention pays off. The right gloves, boots and skin protection reduce the chance that cement stays trapped against you.
Who’s at Higher Risk on Real Jobsites
Certain roles get repeated, long and close contact.
- Concrete finishers who kneel, edge and trowel for hours
- Masonry crews mixing, carrying and placing
- Laborers washing down tools and chutes
- DIY weekend crews who do not expect a chemical burn from “just concrete”
Early Warning Clues That Wet Cement Is Hurting You
Signs You’re Getting Chemical Burns
Concrete and cement can burn skin. The first signs are easy to brush off. You might notice:
- Redness that looks like a mild rash
- Itching or a tight feeling that does not go away
- Dry, cracking skin that shows up fast
- Blistering that starts small, then spreads
- Pain that shows up late, after the damage is already done
Remember, cement trapped in PPE (especially boots and gloves) can burn one area much worse than the rest. Would you notice cement in your socks before it starts burning?
Why Concrete Burns Sneak Up on You
A cement burn sometimes starts because the moisture and grit mask the chemical damage. You stay focused on finishing, and the mix stays in contact.
These work situations tend to create surprise burns:
- Kneeling in a wet slab while placing or edging
- Finishing with wet sleeves rubbing your forearms all shift
- Slurry splashing while cutting or grinding cured concrete
Even small contact can matter if it stays put. A thin paste inside a glove can act like a slow chemical wrap.
Eye And Breathing Signs of Cement Exposure
Skin is not the only target. Dust and splashes can hit eyes and airways. Watch for:
- Eye stinging, tearing, redness or gritty sensation
- Coughing, throat irritation or shortness of breath after dusty tasks
If a splash gets in an eye, treat it like an emergency. Do you know where the wash station is right now?
Build a Concrete-Safe Routine That Actually Sticks
Concrete burns and cement poisoning often happen during normal work, not emergencies. You mix, place, finish, wash tools, then realize your knees or wrists feel hot hours later. Sound familiar?
Keep wet cement off your skin. If exposure happens, stop it fast. Teach the crew what early warning signs look like.
Miss that window? Small irritation can turn into a real burn.
Introduce Positive Habits That Real Worksites Implement
Start with these safety measures:
- Keep sleeves down and gloves on before you touch wet mix
- Tape pant legs to boots when you’re working in splash zones
- Use kneeboards or waterproof knee protection when finishing
- Wash with clean water quickly if cement gets inside clothing
One small shift helps a lot. Treat wet concrete like a chemical.
PPE that Matches the Real Task
Not every glove works. Not every boot keeps slurry out. If you’re doing wet work, look for gear that resists alkaline materials and stays on during kneeling, hosing and lifting.
A quick check before the pour helps:
- Gloves fit tight at the cuff
- Boots are high enough for the depth you’re working in
- Knee protection won’t trap wet cement against skin
- A wash station is close and stocked
OSHA’s PPE rules require employers to assess hazards and provide appropriate protection for the job (29 CFR 1910.132 for general industry and 29 CFR 1926.95 for construction workers). Training helps you recognize when “standard gear” is not enough.
When You Should Stop Work and Get Help
If you notice any of these, do not wait it out:
- Increasing pain or a burning feeling
- Blisters, open areas or skin that turns gray or white
- Eye exposure, trouble breathing or swallowing symptoms
Follow the ‘Don’t Wait’ steps above. If you find that your symptoms worsening, act quickly. Get medical care the same day. If you’re unsure, call Poison Control in the U.S. at 1-800-222-1222.
Training for Safer Concrete Work
Want a simple way to build consistency across the crew? Take a look at the Concrete and Masonry Certificate for job-focused safety training tied to real concrete tasks.
And if you need OSHA-authorized Outreach training, we offer Outreach training through the University of South Florida:
Start today, and make your worksite safer.