Serpentine, soapstone, and greenstone may contain asbestos, which can cause asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and stomach and intestinal cancers. During chipping and other carving, flying chips and pieces of rock may cause eye injury. Grinding and sanding can release small pieces of stone and dust which are hazardous to the eyes. Lifting heavy pieces of stone may cause back injuries. Power tools create larger amounts of fine dust than hand tools.
Pneumatic tools can create large amounts of fine silica dust.
Pneumatic and electric tools and compressors can create a noise hazard. Temporary hearing loss can become permanent with chronic exposure and noise can also adversely affect the heart, circulation, blood pressure, intestines, and balance. This temporary condition can spread to the whole hand and cause permanent damage. Electrical tools create the potential hazard of electrical shock from improperly grounded or faulty wiring. Calcium oxide in Portland cement is highly corrosive to the eyes and respiratory tract, and is moderately corrosive to the skin.