Family mourns the death of 7yo who died after jumping into limestone powder

A haunting photo of the boy playing in the powder was taken minutes before he passed away. 

The haunting photo was taken minutes before 7yo Arthur was rushed to the hospital. Source: Facebook

A family is mourning the loss of their seven-year-old son after he jumped into a pile of limestone powder. 

Arthur Emanuel Bitencourt, from Brazil, was playing in a heap of limestone powder left on the side of the road, a carcinogenic material often used in construction. 

In a photo shared on Facebook, the child gave the camera a thumbs up. 

But only minutes later, he was rushed to the hospital. 

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The haunting photo was taken minutes before 7yo Arthur was rushed to the hospital. Source: Facebook

Family weren’t aware of toxicity of limestone powder

There it was revealed he had inhaled particles of the toxic powder and was pronounced dead on arrival. 

According to the family, they were unaware of the dangers of inhaling limestone. 

An investigation into the boy’s death is currently underway, according to Jornal Razao.   

The construction took place near the family home in Ipiranga, Parana, in southern Brazil. His father explained that the seven-year-old stuck his head under the powder before being urged to get out. 

The child’s uncle, Romaldo, shared the haunting image of Arthur on social media. 

“This photo was the last and taken a few minutes before his tragic death, caused by inhaling limestone while playing,” he wrote. “The memories I will have of you, my dear, will always be the best…”

Arthur was laid to rest the day after his death.

A follow-up social media post from a family friend described the boy as a “treasure.” 

“May God comfort the heart of the whole family right now, you will forever be in our hearts Arthur!” read a comment from another relative. 

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Arthur and his uncle, Romaldo. Source: Facebook

The dangers of limestone powder

Limestone is a commonly used material in construction sites, frequently used by farmers to treat soil. 

While its pebble form doesn’t pose a serious risk to people, it can become highly hazardous when reduced to powder or dust. 

While limestone powder itself isn’t classified as a carcinogen, the substance may contain trace amounts of crystalline silica, which is considered carcinogenic when inhaled. 

Construction workers dealing with the material are advised to wear gloves, masks and safety clothing.

If someone inhales limestone powder, they may feel discomfort in their chest and have trouble breathing. However, prolonged exposure to limestone dust has been shown to cause silicosis and lung cancer. 

Originally published as Family mourns the death of 7yo who died after jumping into limestone powder