While working with materials containing lead or asbestos day to day is a thing of the past (unless conducting abatement work) there are still plenty of harmful materials used in the construction industry one of which is silica dust.
Silica dust is found in cementitious products such as mortar, self leveling and patching compounds and tile to name a few. Dust is created when damaged bags are moved about the jobsite, poured into buckets for mixing or cutting tile with a grinder (dry).
Silica dust attacks the lungs, and while very fine it is far from smooth. The rough nature of silica means that when it enters the body, through breathing, it can cut the delicate tissues of the lungs.
Prolonged exposure to silica dust can lead to silicoais, a respiratory disease for which there is no cure.
Wearing ppe such as a properly fitted respirator along with safety glasses will minimize the exposure level of silica dust and limit the potential of contracting scilicosis.
Free tip: Make sure your contractor is cutting tile outside. Dust in the home can be picked up by your HVAC system and redistributed in your home after the project has been completed.