Portland cement is an ingredient in many restoration products - from finish plaster to tile grout to redi-mix concrete. The adverse effects of contact with Portland cement are mostly short term and local, the result primarily of alkali burns. Sensitive persons can suffer chronic irritation of the eyes and nose.

Wear goggles and a dust mask when handling or mixing cementitious materials Wear rubber gloves and be careful to avoid prolonged contact with the skin. Wash eyes with copious volumes of water should contact occur.

The trick to staying healthy is to use common sense. Always read the label directions on any product you're using . Wear appropriate safety gear. Keep your tools clean and in good repair. Keep your work area tidy. Don't be impatient. Don't work when you're tired, distracted or otherwise impaired.

You can find safety equipment suitable for just about every hazardous substance or situation. Some are geared to very special uses. Other are needed so often that they should definitely be part of your tool kit. Protective glasses or goggles are a must, as are a good pair of work shoes or boots, and a pair of tough work gloves. If you're working with very loud equipment for any lenght of time, invest in a pair of ear plugs or headphones. And any situation in which you might get hit on the head with a falling beam certainly requires a hard hat. Special skin creams will protect your skin from paint, solvents, cement, tar, and more.