Assuming you are talking about HardieBacker cement board, the manufacturer’s SDS (Safety Data Sheet) recommends using an N-95 (minimum) respirator/dust mask.

Is Hardie board dust toxic?

Using a handheld circular saw to cut fiber‑cement board can generate respirable crystalline silica dust. When inhaled over time, the small particles of silica can irreversibly damage the lungs.

Which mask is best for cement dust?





The 3M 8511 N95 particulate respirator is provide protection against non-oil based particles such as wood shop dust and concrete dust. The 3M 8511 respirator is well suited for work settings that involve heat, humidity, or long periods of wear.

What is the best way to cut Hardie board?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: First lay your Hardiebacker. Cement board on a flat surface. And mark your cuts with a straight edge. With your tool of choice in hand you're ready to start scoring.

What do you cut Hardie plank with?

You can use a jigsaw, table saw or circular saw, or another tool, as long as it’s equipped with the right kind of blade. Once prepared, cut the Hardie board as you would any other material. Mark your line; align the board against the guard as needed and slowly but firmly make the cut.

Is Hardie board cancerous?

Fiber Cement is Difficult to Install



Cutting fiber cement siding generates respirable crystalline silica, a known human carcinogen. Inhaling too much silica can lead to silicosis, lung cancer, and COPD.

Is inhaling cement dust harmful?





Crystalline silica is found in materials such as concrete, masonry and rock. When these mate- rials are made into a fine dust and suspended in the air, breathing in these fine particles can produce lung damage. Silicosis can be totally disabling and may lead to death.

Do N95 masks protect against silica dust?

The following describes the NIOSH policy for respiratory protection against airborne exposures to crystalline silica. NIOSH recommends the use of half-facepiece particulate respirators with N95 or better filters for airborne exposures to crystalline silica at concentrations less than or equal to 0.5 mg/m3.

Do N95 masks protect against dust?

An N95 mask protects you from breathing in small particles in the air such as dust and mold. It is designed to filter out at least 95% of the dust and mold in the air.

Is N95 good for silica dust?

Pros: N95 filters protect against non-oil-based particulate aerosols. Replaces disposable respirators. Made from silicone for comfort.

How do you cut cement board without dust?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: And just that motion alone creates an ideal scenario to kind of whip up dust and throw it everywhere which is less than ideal when we're talking about a dust that can be potentially harmful to us.

Do I need a special blade to cut cement board?

Use a carbide-tipped wood-cutting blade to minimize dust.



Cement is a very hard material, so you’ll need to use a blade that can handle the material. Carbide-tipped wood-cutting blades have fewer teeth than other circular saw blades and the carbide can withstand the strain of the cement.

What blade do I use to cut Hardie board?

what is the best saw blade for James hardie siding? For a larger project, use a fiber cement saw blade with polycrystalline diamond tips; if you’re installing Hardie siding on a shed or other small building you can use a fiber cement saw blade with carbide tips.

What are the symptoms of silicosis?



These commonly include bronchitis-like symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. People also suffer from weakness, fatigue, fever, night sweats, leg swelling and bluish discoloration of the lips.

How long will Hardie board last?

50 years

Hardie Board siding is a greater financial investment than vinyl siding, but it lasts longer too. So as you consider this aspect of your decision, realize you will enjoy this outstanding siding for up to 50 years.

Is fibre cement board toxic?

Toxicology Information Summary: Fibre cement is non-toxic in its intact form. The following applies to respirable dust that may be generated during cutting, rebating, drilling, routing, sawing, crushing or otherwise abrading fibre cement.

What is a safety concern when cutting Fibre cement siding?



Cutting fibre cement board without proper dust controls can generate high levels of silica-containing dust. Breathing in this fine dust can cause a serious lung disease called silicosis, which is characterized by scarring and thickening of the lungs, and can result in death.

Is Hardie board safe?

Material Composition



HardiePlank® siding is made from natural and sustainable raw materials: cement, sand, wood fiber, and water. It has no asbestos, glass fibers, or formaldehyde, which makes it a safe building product as well. The materials are low in toxicity; therefore, it does not harm the environment.

Does Hardie board contain silica?

Working Safely with James Hardie Products



James Hardie® products contain crystalline silica. This mineral is found everywhere in the world – often in the form of sand – and therefore often a component of many construction products such as brick, stone, concrete, glass wool and abrasives.

What is Hardiebacker made of?

Hardie® Backer cement board is a tile underlayment made to use on walls, with floors and countertops. Works as a tile backerboard and as an underlayment for tile, vinyl and wood flooring. 0.42″ cement board is made of 90% Portland cement and sand, resists damage from moisture and provides excellent tile adhesion.

How do you cut cement board?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Gave us a clean cut next up we have a scoring knife it costs about 8 bucks and it's made to cut cement backer board same thing as the last time I'm going to line it up.