We are installing tile floors ourselves and my husband has been a bit careless with the dust from the hardi backer. He has cut the stuff without wearing a mask. He has laid it in the living room and foyer and the tile won't be here for probably 2 weeks. How bad is this? Does it take a lot of exposure to get silicosis or only a little. My son and I both have sore throats but people in this area are getting fall allergies . In our case we can't tell if it's that or these dusty boards.
2007-09-23 17:34:06 · 4 answers · asked by BERT 6 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Your sore throat is not from the hardi backer being cut.The warning label is for tradespeople that use the product every day.Vacuum the area up and quit worrying.
2007-09-24 02:03:40 · answer #1 · answered by snowman 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Putting down backer board is a waste of time and money when going over a smooth cement floor. Backer board is used to stiffen up an existing wooden floor or wall. It can also be used when planning a shower to allow for build up to slope to a drain. As far as sweating is concerned backer board will not prevent it if it is a problem. It will just make your floor thicker. The sweat comes from the air contact with a cooler floor surface it is not from water seeping through the floor. A dehumidifier will help to solve this problem in the summer months. Make sure you use a sufficient base of thinset (1/4 inch trowel minimum, 1/2 inch if uneven or rough spots). Mixing a latex additive to the grout is also a good idea in below grade and outdoor grouting situations.
2016-04-05 22:31:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I assume he used a grinder with a masonary blade and this does create huge amounts of fine dust. Did he cut it inside or out. If out you shouldnt have much dust inside.If inside wear a mask and use a damp rag to wipe all surfaces where dust is and throughly vaccum the floors
I dont know about silicosis but would imagine it would take exposure over a long period of time. Seek medical advice.
However this dust is not good for you USE A MASK AND EYE PROTECTION and make cuts outside. Its not worth the risk
2007-09-23 17:53:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have been told it is not good to breath but it should leave no long lasting effects. If you have to cut indoors I suggest putting a box fan in a window of the room you are working in and point the fan so the air blows out of the room. This should give you plenty of ventilation to complete the job.
2007-09-24 01:50:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋