Why Do They Spray Water During Demolition?

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Dust is a big problem at construction and demolition sites. It’s unhealthy and can disrupt work. When buildings are knocked down, lots of dust flies around and can bother people who live or have businesses nearby.

Luckily, modern technology has made it easier to control dust. One common method is to spray water. But why do they spray water during demolition? Let’s find out!

Importance of Demolition Dust Control

We’ve known about the dangers of dust for centuries. Stone cutters in the 1700s got sick from breathing in stone dust, and their experience taught us about the serious health risks of dust.

And no, workers are not the only ones at risk during demolition. The dust can also harm people living nearby, the water supply, and wildlife.

Let’s look at some of the health problems caused by demolition dust.

Respiratory Irritation

Breathing in dust can irritate your lungs. Demolition sites can produce harmful dust, like lead and silica, which can cause serious problems. For example:

  • Histoplasmosis: This lung infection is caused by a fungus that grows in certain places. Breathing in the fungus can cause pneumonia.
  • Silicosis: This is a lung disease caused by breathing in silica dust. Silica is found in materials like rocks, sand, and clay.

Higher Operating Costs at the Job Site

Exposure to dust can be costly for a demolition company. When dust gets into demolition equipment, it builds up on the engine and other moving parts. This heavy dust exposure makes engines wear out faster, requiring more frequent maintenance and repairs.

This not only increases operating costs but also reduces the company’s profits. However, controlling dust effectively keeps the site cleaner and easier to manage.

Regulations from Community Demolitions

The dust from the demolition site can spread over a wide area, damaging nearby homes and making it challenging to obtain permits for future projects.

Many areas have strict regulations regarding dust control, such as using water sprays to prevent these problems.

How to Control Dust at Demolition Sites?

When you hire a demolition service in Houston, they handle everything for you. One of the biggest benefits of using a professional demolition team is their ability to effectively manage dust control.

These services use several effective methods to control dust during demolition. These techniques protect both workers and the surrounding community from harmful exposure. Let’s explore these methods in detail.

The Water Spray Technique

This simple method involves spraying water on the demolition site. Before starting work, the entire area is soaked with water. Specific areas are also sprayed before work begins there. When debris is loaded onto trucks, it’s sprayed again. This helps keep dust from spreading.

Dust Suppression Systems

There are two main types of dust suppression systems:

  • Misting Systems: These create a fine mist to control dust instead of soaking everything. They’re good for long-term projects and can be used indoors or outdoors.
  • Negative Air Machines: These portable machines suck in dust and other particles, cleaning the air. They can be used with misting systems and the wet method.

In Short

Demolishing a building is a big job that requires careful planning. Hiring a professional demolition company like Lima Demolition & Cleanup Services is important for a safe and efficient project. If you have questions about our demolition services or want to schedule a project, please call us at (832) 808-4755.

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