Gypsum
Gypsum is a mineral used in many different capacities. You're most likely to run across gypsum in the gardening section of your hardware store. Gypsum helps to loosen up heavy clay soils, helping plants to take root and grow. Exposure to gypsum can also occur when working with drywall, especially while cutting it. While usually safe, gypsum can pose a few dangers. Avoid these hazards by knowing some basic gypsum safety.
Eye Exposure
Gypsum can get into the eyes through direct contact. When the foreign substance gets into the eye, the eye becomes very irritated. This can involve pain, redness, burning and other common symptoms of eye irritation. The dusty substance needs to come out of the eye for relief.
Refrain from rubbing the eye, as this can exacerbate the problem. Let the eye naturally tear up for a few minutes. This is usually enough to flush out the gypsum. If gypsum is still stuck to the eye, flush it out manually with some slow-flowing lukewarm water while holding the eye open. If the gypsum remains stuck to the eye, don't try to remove it by touching the eye. Seek medical attention if gypsum remains in the eye or if irritation continues.
Inhalation
Because of gypsum's dusty consistency, inhalation can occur. Being in an area with high concentrations of gypsum in the air can be dangerous. If using gypsum indoors, take measures to avoid inhaling the mineral, such as using a mask or moving to a more spacious area. If gardening outdoors, inhalation of gypsum is very unlikely but still a possibility.
If you inhale gypsum, avoid further exposure by leaving the area and getting some fresh air. If anyone else is in the area, they should remove the source of the contamination and also move to fresh air to avoid exposure. Seek medical advice in case any treatment is required.
Skin Exposure
Most people do not experience problems when gypsum comes into contact with their skin. Sometimes, though, gypsum can cause skin irritation. This usually only occurs with prolonged or repeated skin contact. Skin irritation may appear in the form of redness, dryness or discomfort.
If skin irritation does occur when in contact with gypsum, flush the affected area with slow-flowing, lukewarm water. This removes the gypsum causing the irritation and should relieve the symptoms. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
Skin irritation from gypsum can be avoided by making a barrier between the skin and the gypsum. Long sleeves and gloves prevent your hands and arms from coming into contact with gypsum while you work with it.
Related posts
Gypsum improves soil.Gypsum, which is composed of the element calcium sulfate, is used to improve soil quality for lawns and gardens. While relatively safe, gypsum does require certain safety prec...
Most plaster is made from gypsum.Gypsum is an unusual rock. It is classified as a mineral, and is a mixture of calcium and sulfates that form together in large crystals or in sedimentary rock laye...
Plaster - it's not just for hands.Gypsum plaster, also known as plaster of Paris, has long been used for crafts. It was named plaster of Paris because of the large gypsum deposit located at Montma...
Many collectors value the rosette formations of gypsum.Gypsum is a widespread mineral, but when it occurs in a specific environment it can form into "rosettes." These spectacular formati...
Most houses use drywall, or gypsum.Gypsum board, commonly known as drywall or plasterboard, is a relatively safe material. Its handling rarely leads to lacerations, burns or absorption of toxins....
