When a Weekend Project Turns Dangerous: What Are The Hidden Risks of Wet Cement?

You don’t expect danger when you’re building a patio, setting fence posts, or pouring a small slab. Wet cement is part of everyday home DIY work — the kind of thing weekend warriors and homeowners handle all the time. But what many people don’t know is that wet concrete is highly caustic and can cause severe chemical burns even when it looks harmless.

At Shannon Law Group, we’ve handled cases where hardworking homeowners were injured because the risks of wet cement weren’t explained, warnings were unclear, or the mix itself created unexpected harm. We want to help you recognize the danger before it escalates — and know what to do if it already has.

Is Wet Cement Dangerous? Why?

Wet cement contains chemicals that react with water to form a strong alkaline (high-pH) substance. When the wet mixture gets on your skin, it doesn’t just irritate — it can burn, the same way bleach or lye would.

The danger is subtle:

• It often doesn’t hurt right away

• The reaction can continue under clothes or gloves

• Damage may only become obvious hours later

By the time pain is felt, the burn can already be deep.

What Are the Common Situations Where Wet Cement Burns Occur?

Many homeowners and DIYers are injured simply because:

• Cement sloshes into boots or socks while mixing or pouring

• Knees make contact while smoothing or leveling concrete

• Gloves soak through and trap the wet mixture against the skin

• Dust from dry cement mixes with sweat and activates on the skin

People often don’t notice wet cement burns until it’s too late.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Wet Cement Burns?

If cement has touched your skin, watch for:

• Early Signs of Wet Cement Burns

  • Itchy or “gritty” sensation

  • Dryness or redness

  • Mild stinging or warmth

• Developing Symptoms

  • Tight, shiny, or waxy skin

  • Swelling

  • Persistent burning sensation

• Severe Symptoms of Wet Cement Burns (Seek Medical Attention Immediately)

  • Blistering

  • Dark, leathery patches

  • Loss of sensation

  • Open sores

Important: Wet cement burns may develop hours after the cement is washed off. This is a chemical reaction, not just irritation.

Why Is a Wet Cement Burn Not Necessarily Your Fault?

A lot of people blame themselves after an injury like this:

“I should’ve known.”

“I guess I didn’t use the right gloves.”

“I didn’t realize how quickly it could get bad.”

But the truth is that most cement packaging doesn’t clearly warn how dangerous wet cement really is during use. And if this product is delivered in a cement mixing truck, there is rarely any written or verbal warning of the potential harm.

Manufacturers know the risks. The industry knows the pH levels. But home users are rarely informed.

And when instructions, warnings, or safety guidance are missing, unclear, or misleading, that’s not on you.

That’s on them.

What Are My Options If I Experience a an Injury from Wet Cement? How Can Shannon Law Help?

If you suffered burns, infection, scarring, or medical complications from wet cement, you may be able to hold the manufacturer, supplier, or contractor responsible.

At Shannon Law Group LLC, we help everyday people who were hurt simply because they weren’t told the truth about what they were handling.

Will You Provide a Case Evaluation at No Cost and No Obligation?

Yes, we will:

• Review what happened

• Look at the product or mix involved

• Determine whether proper warnings were given

• Explain your rights in clear, direct language

You’ll speak directly with Attorney Chad Shannon — not a call center.

How Do I Get Help Now?

If you live in Pennsylvania or West Virginia, and you’re worried about a cement burn or ongoing symptoms, don’t wait.

Call us at 412-204-7103

OR

Upload injury details and photos securely here: www.theslgllc.com/contact

Your injury is real. The harm is preventable.

And you don’t have to work through it alone.

At the Shannon Law Group, LLC, we feel your struggle. We help you find your way.