Dust is produced during construction, mining, drilling works and by the natural process like wind erosion as well. Dust particles are extremely small <10 µm. So it can easily enter our lungs as these particles can enter the respiratory system. Further, there are certain types of dust like silica dust, which is generated during construction work which has proved to be the most dangerous for human health.
As per various health departments, the following are risks of Airborne dust to human health.
Dust Particles larger than 10 μm are non-breathable, therefore can only affect external organs, in most cases:
Eye irritations: Prolonged exposure to dust can cause serious damage to the human eye. Red-eye can often lead to conjunctivitis and there have been reports of dust increasing chances of ocular infection.
Skin Problems: When the naked skin is in direct touch with dust particles, especially construction dust particles, inflammation and skin infections are caused due to the chemicals found in dust.
Particles smaller than 10 μm are inhalable and can get stuck in the nose and can even penetrate the respiratory system completely. Respiratory Diseases like
- Asthma
- Pneumonia
- Tracheitis
- silicosis
These diseases come along in a very subtle way with prolonged exposure to dust and are mostly reported among construction workers. Further, when silica dust is inhaled in high intensity it can even result in tuberculosis. Industrial workplace around the world needs to provide the necessary protection.
When these dust particles fly by to the nearby residential areas, children and aged people become prone to these diseases, which are very hard to detect.
Countries like Africa, India and North America are at high risk due to the increasing Industrial activities. Australia's hot and dry climate makes it one of the most vulnerable countries to dust pollution. However, there has been a substantial rise in the Dust Suppression Australia technologies.
Dust Suppression Methods:
Government agencies and private companies have come up with some basic solutions to achieve dust control.
Here are a few of the standard methods to reduce dust pollution:
Wet dust-suppression: water spray systems increase the moisture content in the air, which makes the dust settle to the grounds and stops it from becoming airborne. Nozzles that produce extremely small drops are advised to be used as it creates a drizzle effect.
Exhaust ventilation systems can be directed mounted on the tools producing dust. Thus, dust can be captured much more efficiently.
Planting Trees and Surbs around the backyard and surrounding reduces the risk as the dust particles get captured in the leaves. However, this is dangerous for the farming industry.
