Cutting Concrete, Tile & Stone at Home (Silica Dust)
Cutting or grinding pavers, tile, brick, concrete, mortar or stone creates fine silica dust that can scar the lungs and cause cancer. Professionals must follow strict silica rules. Homeowners doing the same work deserve the same protection.
- Homeowners
- DIY
Photo: homeowner cutting a concrete paver with a wet saw outdoors while wearing a respirator and safety glasses
Materials that contain silica
- Concrete, pavers and concrete block
- Brick and mortar
- Ceramic and porcelain tile, grout
- Natural stone like granite, sandstone and slate
- Engineered (quartz) stone countertops, which can be more than 90% silica
Cut it the safe way
- Wet cutting: use a wet tile saw or a saw with a water feed. Water stops most of the dust.
- Vacuum dust collection: use tools with shrouds connected to a HEPA vacuum. See Dust Extractors.
- Work outdoors when possible, and keep kids, pets and neighbors away.
- Wear a respirator, at least a well-fitting N95, plus safety glasses and hearing protection.
- Rent the right tool instead of using a dry grinder for big jobs.
Clean up without spreading it
- Don’t dry sweep or use a leaf blower
- Don’t use a regular shop vac without a HEPA filter
- Don’t track dust inside on clothes and shoes
Mist the area and use a HEPA vacuum or wet wipe. Wash work clothes separately.
Don’t cut engineered stone countertops at home. Workers who cut engineered stone have developed severe, sometimes fatal silicosis at young ages. Leave fabrication and cutouts to a professional shop with proper controls. See Stone Countertop Fabrication.
Standards & references
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