Hey everyone! My husband and I have been sprucing up our garden, and he cut some porcelain tiles outside without thinking to use a wet saw. We kept all the doors and windows shut during the work, and after he finished, he cleaned up the area with water so there was no visible dust. Our 7-month-old baby was napping inside, and I kept him there for an extra hour after my husband was done. I didn't think too much of it until I did some Googling and found tons of terrifying stories about silica dust exposure, which can supposedly linger in the air for days. Now I'm really anxious about whether I might have put my little one at risk. I'm really feeling overwhelmed and just need some reassurance! Thanks so much for any help!
3 Answers
Sounds like typical new parent anxiety! You're good; your baby is safe. The concern comes when a baby is directly exposed to dust while things are being cut, not just because some dust might be in the air later. Don't stress too much!
You're totally fine. Silica, like asbestos, is more of a concern with prolonged exposure. Cutting outside means good ventilation, and any dust that did drift inside wouldn't stick around for long. Just make sure your husband wore a mask, though!
If you're worried about what you read online, remember that the internet is full of exaggerated claims. Talk to your pediatrician for real advice; they'll put your mind at ease. Don't let fear-mongering dictate your parenting concerns.
You're absolutely right - my new mum brain can't see what's rational and what's not sometimes. Thank you!!