Cement Burns

To many people, cement seems like a helpful, strong material that is useful for a number of different building projects. And while concrete is indeed strong and useful, it is also dangerous. Dry, powdered concrete is typically harmless, but when cement is mixed with water, it can cause serious, painful skin burns that can leave you with permanent scars.

Concrete and other cement products are a staple at most construction sites, including both buildings and roads. However, according to one study, cement workers report four times as many lost workdays as regular construction workers for skin problems. This is simply unacceptable. If you have been injured by a cement burn, you should contact a Raleigh workplace injuries attorney from Scudder & Hedrick, PLLC, today at 919-851-3311 to learn about your legal rights.

How Cement Burns You

In its dry, powdered form, cement contains calcium oxide, which is not typically dangerous. However, when mixed with water in order to form the concrete with which you are probably familiar, the calcium oxide binds with the water molecules to form calcium hydroxide.

Calcium hydroxide is very basic, or alkaline, while the skin is acidic on the pH scale. Thus, the reaction between these two opposites can cause caustic burns to your skin.

Signs of Wet Cement Burns

Frustratingly, cement burns may not appear for hours after exposure. You may notice problems such as:

• Purplish-blue skin
• Burns
• Ulcers or blisters
• Amputation

If you have suffered from a cement burn while at work, you may be entitled to compensation to aid in your recovery.

Contact Us

Cement burns can leave permanent scars on your skin, and doctors may even have to amputate the affected area if it is past saving. If you have suffered from such a severe injury in a workplace accident, you should be aware of your rights and responsibilities. Contact a Raleigh workplace injury lawyer from Scudder & Hedrick, PLLC, at 919-851-3311 today to learn more about your legal options.