carcinogenic blades

["Simon Brown" <moonsong@zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz>]

William,

I found some info about diamond blade sawing hazards here:
http://www.diteq.com/instructionsWarnings.asp

'This product as sold presents no hazard, although sawing, drilling,
grinding and other construction activities may release small amounts of
metal into the dust of slurry generated. Dust and slurry generated may
contain other chemicals from materials cut. By example only, silica (SiO2)
may be present in cement and other masonry products.

Precautionary steps, including appropriate respiratory protection and other
control methods should be taken to ensure that worker exposure to dust not
exceed appropriate PEL or TVL. (Reference OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910.1200).'

Just use common sense with any stone carving activity, if you were dry
cutting out of doors there would be less need for respiratory protection
than cutting in an enclosed space, although it is a good work habit to
always use protective equipment.

Personally, I wear long cotton-drill clothing and a hat to avoid getting too
much stone dust and sunlight on my skin.

Simon